The changes in airway occlusion pressure and airflow, occurring during two spasmodic breathing patterns, were studied and compared with normal breathing pattern in 12 anaesthetized cats. The inspiratory effort developed during the sniff-like aspiration reflex elicited by mechanical stimulation of the nasopharynx under control conditions proved to be very similar in character and intensity to the activity observed during gasping which occurred on resuscitation, of the same cats, from hypoxic apnoea. The starting (P50) and maximum (Pmax) airway occlusion pressure developed in these two spasmodic breathing patterns were very high. Extremely rapid rates of contraction and relaxation were detected by computer-assisted measurements of dynamic changes in both the pressure values and the slopes of pressure curves. The results suggest common effector mechanisms, reflecting similar forceful inspiratory drives, for the aspiration reflex and gasping. These two spasmodic processes differ substantially from normal breathing. Nevertheless, the aspiration reflex differs from gasping in that it can be elicited by activation of upper airway afferents during eupnea. Moreover, as yet, there is no definitive evidence that the brainstem mechanisms responsible for generating the aspiration reflex are the same as those of the gasp. The main benefits of this reflex are its rather easy elicitability under various conditions and its capability to induce important cardiorespiratory effects (e.g.) reversal of central apnoea) owing to its powerful activity.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.