Breathing pattern and stretch receptor activity during high frequency ventilation

In anaesthetized rabbits the effects of high frequency ventilation (HFV) on breathing pattern and on stretch receptor (SR) activity were examined in order to elucidate the mechanism underlying the inhibition of respiration during HFV. An attempt was undertaken to compare the effects of HFV with those of static lung inflations. HFV applied in frequencies between 5 Hz and 25 Hz and with peak airway pressure (Paw) between 5 and 15 cm H2O led - proportionally to Paw - to a gradual prolongation of expiration up to an apnoea. Similar effects occurred during lung inflations, although at higher Paw than during HFV. HFV-induced apnoea was accompanied by a tonic phrenic and diaphragmatic activity which was absent during inflation-induced apnoea. In addition to the activity due to spontaneous breathing, during HFV the SR discharge rate increased with each positive airflow pulse particularly in the expiratory phase, whereas the inspiratory discharge rate was less affected. During static lung inflations there was a parallel increase of both inspiratory and expiratory SR activity, the expiratory discharge rate, however, remaining lower and the inspiratory discharge rate rising more than during HFV. It is concluded that the HFV-induced increase of expiratory SR discharge rate may account for the inhibition of spontaneous breathing during HFV. The persistence of phrenic and diaphragmatic activity during HFV-induced apnoea is thought to be due to activation of irritant receptors.