Cardiovascular and neurophysiologic changes during graded duration of apnea in piglets

To examine the interrelationship between the duration of apnea and changes in oxygen saturation, blood pressure, electroencephalogram (EEG), and heart rate, reflex apnea of 10, 20, 40, and 60 s duration was induced by stimulating the superior laryngeal nerves. Piglets (n = 11, age 5-14 days) were chronically instrumented for continuous monitoring of SaO2 and blood pressure and for sampling arterial blood. Ventilation was recorded using whole body plethysmography and EEG and electrocardiogram were measured by acutely placed subcutaneous electrodes. Central apnea produced an immediate rise in blood pressure and a decrease in SaO2 by 20 s. By 30 s into the apnea, EEG amplitude had already decreased. Major cardiac slowing did not occur until 80 s after the start of apnea. Hyperoxia delayed the start of desaturation, hypertension, and EEG attenuation. These data suggest that during superior laryngeal nerve-induced apnea in young piglets: 1) desaturation can reach profound levels rapidly, 2) EEG amplitude decreases substantially and becomes nearly isoelectric within 1 min, and 3) bradycardia is a late manifestation when compared to changes in oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and EEG.