A STUDY OF BRONCHIAL REFLEXES IN THE GUINEA PIG

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Abstract
To study the possible physiologic mechanism for asthma (reflex contraction of the bronchioles) pulmonary reflexes were investigated in curarized, locally anesthetized guinea pigs (number not stated), these animals being used because susceptible to anaphylactic shock as evidenced by bronchospasm. The caliber of the bronchioles was measured by recording the movements of the lung through an intrapleural trocar, and by measuring variations in intratracheal pressure. It was found, in confirmation of the work of others, that the vagus nerve possessed both bronchoconstrictor and bronchodilator fibers. In addition, the observation was made that the bronchioles of a guinea pig were extraordinarily sensitive to such stimuli as clapping the hands, or stimulating the nose or the skin. Sectioning the vagi in the neck, paralyzing doses of atropine, or both, did not abolish these reflexes. Since the parasympathetic nerves had been eliminated, the authors conclude that both dilator and constrictor reflexes are carried by the sympathetic nerves to the bronchial muscles.

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