ROLE OF PULMONARY PROPRIOCEPTIVE REFLEXES IN SUPPRESSION OF SPONTANEOUS BREATHING DURING ELECTROPHRENIC RESPIRATION

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Abstract
The immediate inhibition of spontaneous breathing during electrophrenic respiration (i.e., stimulation of a phrenic nerve to produce descent of the diaphragm) in anesthetized dogs is favored by increasing the rate of artificial respiration, increasing its depth, and increasing the duration of inspiration in any given respiratory cycle. The inhibition depends at least in part on afferent vagal impulses. Inspiratory intercostal activity is also inhibited during electrophenic respiration. Hypercapnia elevates the threshold for reflex central inhibition during electrophenic respiration. In addition to the usual suppression of spontaneous respiration, reflex excitation of the inspiratory center can be achieved by producing an excessive diaphragmatic contraction. It is pointed out that prolonging the duration of inspiration in any one cycle should be clinically useful in more effectively inhibiting spontaneous respiration without affecting ventilation to any great extent.
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