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Genetic and environmental influence on inspiratory resistive load detection
Respiration; International Review of Thoracic Diseases
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Genetic factors influence resistance load detection (RLD) in adolescents, while environmental factors become dominant in adulthood. This study analyzed RLD thresholds in adolescent and adult twins to understand these influences.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Twin Studies
- Human Genetics
Background:
- Understanding the interplay between genetics and environment is crucial for respiratory health.
- Resistance Load Detection (RLD) is a psychophysical measure sensitive to respiratory system changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate genetic from environmental influences on the threshold for Resistance Load Detection (RLD).
- To examine age-related changes and sex differences in RLD thresholds.
Main Methods:
- A psychophysical technique was used to study 62 adolescent and 74 adult twins.
- Zygosity was determined, and RLD thresholds were analyzed using the Weber fraction and mouth pressure (P).
- Within-pair variances were compared between monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins.
Main Results:
- In adolescents, genetic factors predominantly influenced RLD thresholds (higher within-pair variance in DZ vs. MZ for P).
- In adults, environmental factors predominated, with no significant difference in within-pair variances between MZ and DZ twins.
- Mouth pressure (P) at the RLD threshold increased significantly with age in both sexes.
Conclusions:
- The threshold for RLD is primarily influenced by genetic factors during adolescence.
- Environmental factors become the predominant influence on RLD thresholds in adulthood.
- RLD thresholds show an age-dependent increase, suggesting physiological changes with aging.