Effects of normal and loaded spontaneous inspiration on cardiovascular function

To assess the hemodynamic effects of spontaneous inspiration, we studied 12 anesthetized mongrel dogs during normal and loaded inspiration, before and after bilateral cervical vagotomy. Peak aortic flow fell (15--20%) whereas peak pulmonary artery flow rose (15--20%) under all conditions. When aortic flow fell, left ventricular diastolic size decreased whereas aortic and left atrial transmural pressures increased slightly. Right ventricular diastolic size and right atrial transmural pressure increased. During inspiratory loading transmural pressures rose more, but the fall in aortic flow remained the same. After vagotomy, inspiration was prolonged, allowing aortic flow to return to preinspiratory levels. At this time left ventricular diastolic size was increased compared to preinspiratory levels and there were further increases in left atrial and aortic transmural pressures. We have concluded that at least two factors affect aortic flow during inspiration: 1) a decrease in left ventricular preload that is associated with decreased left ventricular compliance, and 2) increased impedance to left ventricular emptying as reflected by the increase in aortic transmural pressure. This may play a greater role during inspiratory loading and when inspiration is prolonged.