Functional characteristics of slowly adapting pulmonary stretch receptors in the turtle (Chrysemys picta).

Abstract

1. Single nerve fibre discharge has been recorded from slowly adapting pulmonary stretch receptors in single-pithed turtles on artificial ventilation. 2. Receptor discharge during static and dynamic lung inflations showed that lung volume was the major stimulus of these receptors. The rate and degree of change in transpulmonary pressure were without direct effect. 3. The response of these receptors to static and dynamic lung inflation differed only quantitatively from those of bronchopulmonary stretch receptors in mammals. The lower discharge frequencies and sensitivities of the turtle receptors may arise from the low body temperature of these animals. 4. The sensitivity of turtle pulmonary receptors to CO2 was greater than that recorded for bronchopulmonary receptors of mammals although the effects of CO2 on receptor discharge were qualitatively similar. In several instances, receptor discharge was totally inhibited throughout the ventilatory cycle by inflation with 5--10% CO2 in air.