Location of lung receptors mediating the breathing frequency response to pulmonary CO 2

Abstract

Pulmonary stretch receptors are thought to mediate the breathing frequency (bf) response to changes in pulmonary CO 2. However, the location and distribution of these receptors is disputed. The purpose of this study was to determine what contribution the extrapulmonary receptors make in the pulmonary CO 2 bf response. Mongrel dogs were anesthetized and placed on cardiopulmonary bypass. The diaphragm electromyogram was used to monitor respiratory center output and to trigger a ventilator. Exposure of an upper airway segment to CO 2 or positive end-expired pressure failed to produce changes in the bf. Denervation of the upper airway down to but not including the hilum caused similar insignificant changes in the CO 2 bf response. Lungs collapsed by suction showed minimal Hering-Breuer inhibition when compared with inflated lungs. Bronchial arterial perfusion with hypocapnic followed by hypercapnic blood failed to produce changes in the bf while similar perfusion of the pulmonary arterial system resulted in significant increases in bf. It appears that the receptors mainly responsible for the pulmonary CO 2 response are located in the more peripheral regions of the lung.