Stretch receptor activity during irritant-induced tachypnoea in the rabbit
Kohl, J.; Koller, E.A.
Pflugers Archiv European Journal of Physiology 386(3): 231-237
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-6768 PMID: 7191557 Document Number: 163552
Activity in single vagal fibers arising from lung stretch receptors was recorded in rabbits during normal breathing at rest and during tachypnea caused by inhalation of histamine or ammonia. The rate of Ar elimination from the lungs was analyzed to estimate the accompanying changes of lung ventilation. The majority of stretch receptors increased their activity during irritant-induced tachypnea, the discharge frequency always being higher during inspiration than during expiration. Only a few fibers did not change or decreased their activity. Comparison of the results to previous findings in guinea-pig revealed that the discharge pattern of stretch receptors following inhalation of irritants was different in these 2 spp.; respiratory reactions and the unevenness of ventilation were comparable. Apparently differences in the discharge pattern of stretch receptor fibers during irritant-induced hyperpnea in rabbit and guinea-pig are due to differences in the location of the stretch receptors.