Non-invasive technique for examining the respiratory proprioceptor system in man

Our technique enables non-invasive experiments to be conducted on the proprioceptor part of respiratory control, while eliminating misleading responses due to interaction with the chemoreceptor system; interaction was prevented by stabilizing arterial PO2 and PCO2 with the aid of an optimal regulator based on a mini-computer which controlled the inspired gas mixture. The proprioceptor system in a human was disturbed by applying positive pressure pulses at the mouth, responses were derived from continuous air-flow measurement. The classical inflation inhibiting reflex and an effect akin to Head's paradoxical reflex were demonstrated.