Mechanism of hyperpnea induced by changes in pulmonary blood flow

Increases in pulmonary blood flow can elicit hyperpnea. To examine the mechanisms responsible, we surgically isolated the systemic and pulmonary circulations in six dogs and independently controlled PCO2, PO2, and blood flow in each circuit. Anesthesia was induced with ketamine and maintained with halothane. Systemic venous return was drained from the right atrium and passed through a membrane oxygenator and heat exchanger; blood was returned to the ascending aorta (Qs). An identical bypass was established for the pulmonary circulation, draining blood from the left atrium and returning it to the pulmonary artery (Qp). The lungs were initially ventilated with room air. Qs and systemic arterial CO2 gas tension were maintained at approximately 0.080 1 X min-1 X kg-1 and 40 Torr, respectively. Pulmonary arterial CO2 gas tension was set near 55 Torr, and Qp varied. Ventilatory drive was assessed by minute integration (MI) of the activity recorded from the central end of the left C5 root of the phrenic nerve. MI increased as much as 160% above control as Qp was increased over the range of 0.025 (control) to 0.175 1 X min-1 X kg-1. When pulmonary CO2 gradients were eliminated by a rebreathing technique, MI was independent of Qp. These results suggest that CO2-sensitive pulmonary receptors respond to the change in pulmonary PCO2 gradients which occur when Qp is elevated (breathing room air) augmenting ventilation.