[Change in sensitivity of the central respiration mechanism in the 21-hour bedrest conditions]

The investigation was aimed at studying the mechanisms for change in the respiration center sensitivity in consequence of 21-hr bed rest with head-end tilted at -15 degrees combined with liquid loss (lasix, 20 ml) and recovery (IV infucol and glucose). Time of maximal breath-holding, capillary and venous O2 and CO2 pressure values were measured in the baseline data collection period, during and shortly after BR. Data analysis showed that extension of the maximal breath-holding time both during inspiration and expiration was statistically significant in the initial 10 minutes of tilting. Comparison of the breath-holding test data between the experimental series demonstrated that infusion of equally glucose and infucol did not affect voluntary apnea during inspiration or expiration. From BR hour 17, partial pressure of venous O2 showed a significant rise, while venous CO2 pressure decreased, also significantly. It is hypothesized that degradation of the respiration center sensitivity was connected most likely with blood pooling in the upper body and altered pressure on the baroreceptors.