Maintenance of Respiratory Rhythm-generation by Vascular Perfusion with Physiological Saline inthe Isolated Head of the Carp

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Abstract
Vascular perfusion of the isolated head of the carp was carried out with physiological saline. Respiratory movement of the gill covers and respiratory discharges of cranial motor nerves were recorded in the preparation. Blood vascular vessels supplying the brain were anatomically investigated. Concentrations (electrolytes, O2, CO2 and glucose) and perfusing pressure of the saline were determined by reference to information available in fish physiology. The movement of the operculum could be maintained in regular respiratory rhythm for more than 34 h. Efferent discharges of cranial motor nerves also indicated that the respiratory rhythm generator functioned normally. Interruption of perfusate flow immediately disturbed the opercular rhythm and resulted in respiratory arrest. Vascular perfusion is indispensable for the maintenance of breathing rhythm-generation in the isolated head of the carp; since the perfusate, colloid-free physiological saline, was tenable for the long term preservation of brain function.