ACTIVITY PATTERNS OF THE RESPIRATORY NEURONS AND MUSCLES

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Abstract
Results identifying the neurohistological elements of the brainstem which give rise to periodic potentials in phase with breathing in the dog were earlier reported. These potentials were recorded with the oscillograph and bipolar electrodes. The present work is concerned with the characteristics of the discharge pattern; the correlation between discharge pattern and the phase of respiration; and the correlation between discharge pattern and the histological source of the potential. There are 3 main types of respiratory discharges: the slowly augmenting type in which activity builds up slowly and subsides abruptly; the rapidly augmenting type in which activity builds up suddenly and subsides slowly, and the steady state type in which activity is periodically maintained at a constant level. Inspiratory potentials are almost exclusively of the slowly augmenting type, while expiratory potentials are of the rapidly augmenting and steady state types. This relation between the phase of respiration and discharge pattern is found at all points along the respiratory arc from respiratory muscles through the central nervous system and back along the sensory nerves. Factors leading to this parallelism of activity in serially linked stations of the respiratory mechanism are suggested.

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