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Minute ventilation changes in rabbits during experimental hypothermia
Acta Physiologica Polonica
|March 1, 1983
Summary
Hypothermia significantly reduces respiratory drive (Veq) and CO2 responsiveness in rabbits. This study reveals temperature
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Hypothermia affects physiological processes.
- Understanding respiratory control during hypothermia is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of experimental hypothermia on the electrophysiological equivalent of minute ventilation (Veq) in rabbits.
- To assess the effect of temperature on respiratory response to hypercapnia and asphyxia.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits under anesthesia and artificial ventilation underwent normothermic and hypothermic conditions.
- Bilateral vagotomy was performed.
- Respiratory activity (Veq), blood gases, and carotid artery blood flow were measured during hypercapnic and asphyxic challenges.
Main Results:
- Veq decreased by 91% during hypothermia, with a 30% fall in PaCO2.
- Hypercapnic stimulus during hypothermia yielded a fivefold lower Veq compared to normothermia.
- Carotid artery blood flow reduced by 16% during hypothermia.
- Normal Veq was observed only during asphyxia in hypothermia.
Conclusions:
- Temperature directly impacts respiratory activity generation and brain blood flow regulation.
- Hypothermia appears to elevate the response threshold to elevated CO2 levels.