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Updated: May 2, 2026
Author Spotlight: Neuromotor Control and Recovery of Diaphragm Function Following Cervical Spinal Hemisection in Rats
Published on: June 14, 2024
Effect of isolated unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis on ventilation and exercise performance in rats
Yali Xu1, Jing Rui2, Xin Zhao2
1Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; Department of Hand Surgery, The 3rd Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, People's Republic of China; Key Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory of Hebei Province, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
The degree of impairment of ventilation and exercise performance after unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis (UDP) induced by phrenic nerve injury has been controversial due to heterogeneity in the published clinical studies. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of isolated UDP on breathing and exercise performance in conscious rats. Breathing was measured by unrestrained whole body plethysmography during quiet breathing and after moderate aerobic exercise. Additionally, incremental exercise testing was performed to evaluate the effects of intensive activity. The results demonstrated that complete UDP in rats resulted in a permanent decrease of peak inspiratory flow at rest breathing. Nevertheless, adequate ventilation could be maintained, and the breathing pattern was unaltered due to a strong compensatory mechanism and central re-coordination initiated by UDP. After being affected at an early stage, the ventilatory response to exercise was gradually regained and subsequently restored.
