Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026

Delivery of In Vivo Acute Intermittent Hypoxia in Neonatal Rodents to Prime Subventricular Zone-derived Neural Progenitor Cell Cultures
Published on: November 2, 2015
Conditioned hyperventilation as a factor in animal, infant, and adult apnea: a theoretical analysis of experimental
Abstract:
An apnea hypothesis is proposed termed Conditioned Hyperventilation. An organism (animal, infant, or adult) can become conditioned to anticipate traumatic terminal breathing. The resulting hyperventilation produces excessive oxygen, which triggers apnea, allowing an increase in carbon dioxide. This apnea serves as an additional unconditioned stimulus (UCS) causing the hyperventilation (apnea) to increase. Organic blockage can also serve as the UCS. Apnea may be reduced or prevented by monitoring and extinguishing hyperventilation through the use of behavioral modification techniques, or biofeedback. Infant lung collapse during the first six months is suggested as one UCS in infants.
Related Concept Videos
Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
Alterations in Respiration II
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes include...
Chemical Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
CO2 has a potent influence on respiration and is strictly regulated. Under...
Other Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
However, the ability to hold one's breath voluntarily is not limitless. When the CO2 concentration in the blood reaches a critical level,...
Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation
Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:

