Evidence Against the Existence of Specific Ventilatory Chemoreceptors in the Legs

Abstract
Experiments on normal human subjects are reported which were designed to demonstrate, if present, specific ventilatory chemoreceptors in the legs. Local chemical changes were produced in the absence of pain by complete occlusion of the circulation to the lower legs following a period of muscular exercise. The effect of this procedure on ventilation and alveolar air was measured. Under these conditions no evidence of specific ventilatory chemoreceptors could be demonstrated. Evidence of an entirely humoral regulation of the pulmonary ventilation during recovery from exercise is presented. Submitted on May 28, 1956