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Published on: November 2, 2015
Hereditary aspects of decreased hypoxic response
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|July 1, 1978
Summary
Heredity significantly influences the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR), a key breathing reflex. This study found identical twins share similar HVR, unlike non-identical twins, suggesting a genetic basis for breathing regulation.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Genetics
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Decreased ventilatory responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia are observed in various disorders, but their causes are largely unknown.
- Familial influences on breathing responses have been suggested, but the roles of heredity versus environment remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the heritability of ventilatory responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia.
- To differentiate between genetic and environmental factors influencing hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR).
Main Methods:
- Studied 12 pairs of identical twins and 12 pairs of non-identical twins.
- Measured ventilatory response to isocapnic hypoxia (HVR) and hyperoxic hypercapnia in all participants.
- Analyzed correlations in ventilatory responses between twin pairs, controlling for body size, PCO2, and pH.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation in HVR was found between identical twins (P < 0.01), but not non-identical twins.
- Identical twins exhibited greater similarity in HVR compared to non-identical twins (P < 0.0125), independent of other physiological factors.
- No significant correlation was observed for the ventilatory response to hyperoxic hypercapnia in either twin group.
Conclusions:
- Hereditary factors significantly influence the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR).
- Genetic influences may contribute to clinical conditions characterized by impaired hypoxic breathing responses.
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