PATTERN OF BREATHING IN RAT

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 25  (2) , 159-166
Abstract
The basic ventilation values, tidal volume [VT] breathing frequency [f], minute ventilation [.ovrhdot.VE] and the duration of inspiration [TI] and expiration [TE], were determined in adult male rats. The range of these values was given and the pattern of breathing was defined as the relationship between .ovrhdot.VE and VT, which in the rat was linear throughout its entire range. The role of TI and TE in changing f in the rat were evaluated. The breathing pattern of the rat was compared with data for the rabbit and man, using percentual expression of the basic values. A shift of the breathing pattern to higher f values was observed in rats with experimental lung diseases. In these rats, the inhalation of 100% O2 shifted the pattern of breathing markedly to lower .ovrhdot.VE values, though not to values comparable with the controls. Bilateral cervical vagotomy was followed by a pronounced decrease in f, an increase in VT and TI persisted even after vagotomy; this relationship was apparently effected either by means of receptors in the chest muscles, or by the direct action of CO2 which was used to stimulate breathing, on the bulbopontine pacemaker.

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