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The breathing patterns of identical twins
S A Shea1, G Benchetrit, T Pham Dinh
1Department of Medicine, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, London, UK.
Respiration Physiology
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Genetic factors influence resting breathing patterns in adults. Identical twins showed significant similarities in breathing metrics like inspiratory time and airflow shape, suggesting a hereditary component in respiratory control.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Genetics
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Breathing patterns are crucial for gas exchange and overall health.
- Previous research suggests potential influences on breathing patterns, but the role of genetics requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential genetic contribution to resting breathing patterns in healthy adults.
- To quantify similarities in breathing patterns between identical twins.
Main Methods:
- Breath-by-breath analysis of airflow using pneumotachometry and respiratory inductance plethysmography in identical twins.
- Quantification of respiratory variables including inspiratory time (TI), expiratory time (TE), total breath duration (TTOT), VT/TI, TI/TTOT, and TRIAD.
- Harmonic analysis (ASTER) was used to assess airflow shape.
Main Results:
- Significant similarities in breathing patterns were observed within identical twin pairs across both studies.
- These similarities were most pronounced when considering the overall shape of the pneumotachogram (ASTER) and spirogram (TRIAD).
- Twin-pair similarities exceeded those found in random pairs, supporting a genetic influence.
Conclusions:
- Resting breathing patterns exhibit a significant genetic component in healthy adults.
- The overall shape of breathing, rather than isolated variables, best reflects this genetic determination.
- Findings suggest heritability plays a role in the regulation of respiratory control.