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Reflexes from the lungs and airways: historical perspective
1Univ. of London, 116 Pepys Rd., London SW20 8NY, UK. JohnWiddicombeJ@aol.com
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|April 8, 2006
Summary
Respiratory reflexes from the lungs and airways were historically speculative until the 19th century. Key discoveries in vagal nerve reflexes, pulmonary stretch receptors, and C-fiber receptors revolutionized understanding of breathing patterns.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory System
Background:
- Early 19th-century understanding of respiratory control was limited, with the respiratory center identified but its inputs largely unknown.
- The concept of reflex control over breathing patterns was not established until the late 19th century.
Observation:
- Breuer's 1868 work demonstrated vagal reflexes' role in regulating breathing patterns.
- Subsequent research identified specific receptors: pulmonary stretch receptors (inflation reflex) and rapidly adapting receptors (augmented breaths, cough).
- Further studies elucidated the function of C-fiber receptors (J receptors) in respiratory reflexes.
Findings:
- The historical review traces the evolution of understanding respiratory reflexes from speculative ideas to detailed receptor mechanisms.
- Key milestones include the identification of vagal inflation/deflation reflexes, pulmonary stretch receptors, rapidly adapting receptors, and C-fiber receptors.
- Technological advancements like oscilloscopes enabled single-nerve fiber recordings, crucial for characterizing receptor function.
Implications:
- This historical perspective provides a foundation for understanding current research on lung and airway receptors.
- The discoveries have significantly advanced the knowledge of respiratory control mechanisms.
- Understanding these reflexes is crucial for diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions.