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Bronchoconstriction: a component of the 'diving response' in man.

M R Mukhtar, J M Patrick

    European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology
    |January 1, 1984
    PubMed
    Summary

    Cold water face immersion in humans causes bronchoconstriction, a new component of the diving response. This vagally mediated effect, alongside bradycardia, was observed in subjects during forced expirations.

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    Area of Science:

    • Physiology
    • Respiratory Medicine
    • Cardiovascular Physiology

    Background:

    • The human diving response, characterized by bradycardia (slowed heart rate), is a well-documented physiological reaction to facial immersion in cold water.
    • The role of vagal efferents in mediating the bradycardia component of the diving response is established.
    • Potential accompanying respiratory changes, specifically bronchoconstriction, have not been thoroughly investigated.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate whether bronchoconstriction accompanies the vagally-mediated bradycardia induced by cold water face immersion in humans.
    • To quantify the degree of bronchoconstriction and determine its relationship to apnea and cold water exposure.

    Main Methods:

    • Measurements of forced expiratory flows (FEF) at 40% and 25% of vital capacity (VC) were taken from partial flow-volume curves.
    • Forced expirations were performed immediately after a 15-second apnea, with and without facial immersion in cold water.
    • Control expirations with identical volume history but without preceding apnea were compared.
    • The effect of ipratropium (an anticholinergic medication) was assessed to determine the involvement of vagal pathways.

    Main Results:

    • Five out of ten subjects exhibited a reduction in FEF greater than 10%, averaging 17%.
    • Apnea alone accounted for half of the observed reduction in FEF.
    • The remaining bronchoconstriction, specifically linked to cold face immersion, was abolished by ipratropium administration.
    • This suggests a vagally mediated bronchoconstriction triggered by cold water exposure.

    Conclusions:

    • Cold water face immersion induces bronchoconstriction in humans, representing a novel component of the diving response.
    • This bronchoconstriction, similar to the associated bradycardia, is mediated by vagal efferents.
    • The findings highlight a complex interplay between respiratory and cardiovascular systems during the diving reflex.

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