Summary
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1.
The reflex influence of small vagal afferents on the α and γ activity in intercostal nerve filaments (CNFs) has been studied in cats. Selective activation of a group of vagal afferents has been achieved by injection of p-chlor-phenyl-diguanide into the right atrium.
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2.
About two seconds after the injection of the drug, the following simultaneously occuring phenomena have been observed:
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a)
Respiratory arrest near the end-expiratory level (functional residual capacity) lasting up to 30 sec.
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b)
Interruption of α activity and of rhythmic γ discharge both in inspiratory and exspiratory CNFs.
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c)
Decrease of tonic γ discharge frequency to approximately the inspiratory level in exspiratory CNFs and to the exspiratory level in inspiratory CNFs, respectively.
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3.
The same phenomena have been observed after intravenous injection of serotonine with the exception that towards the end of the apnoea signs of active expiration became occasionally apparent. Their separate cause is discussed.
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4.
The results suggest that stimulation of a definite fraction of slowly conducting vagal afferents in the cat may result in a temporary (partial) removal of supraspinal respiratory drive both to inspiratory and expiratory motoneurones. This is in contrast to results obtained after electrical stimulation of the fast conducting vagal afferents.
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Financially supported by the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft.
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Schmidt, T., Wellhöner, H.H. The reflex influence of a group of slowly conducting vagal afferents of α and γ discharges in cat intercostal nerves. Pflugers Arch. 318, 333–345 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00586973
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00586973