Effect of peripheral chemoreceptor denervation on acclimatization of goats during hypoxia

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of peripheral chemoreceptor denervation on ventilatory acclimatization of goats during chronic hypoxia. After 1 h of stimulated altitude (PB 450 Torr), arterial O2 tension (PaO2) in seven normal goats averaged 42 Torr, and arterial CO2 tension (PaCO2) was 1.3 Torr below control (P less than 0.001). In these goats nearly 66% of the increase in alveolar ventilation (VA) associated with acclimatization occurred between 1.5 and 4 h of hypoxia. Acclimatization was complete by the 3rd day of hypoxia, and it caused 1) a 23% increase in VA/CO2 output (P less than 0.001); 2) a 5-Torr increase in PaO2 (P less than 0.001); and 3) a 6.5-Torr decrease in PaCO2 (P less than 0.001). Denervation of the carotid chemoreceptors in seven goats caused hypoventilation during eupnea at sea level (PaCO2 change from control +7 Torr, P less than 0.001). Denervation also attenuated but did not eliminate peripheral chemoreceptor responsiveness. No additional changes were observed following attempted denervation of the aortic chemoreceptors. After 1 h of simulated altitude (PB 530 Torr), PaO2 in the denervated goats averaged 46 Torr, and PaCO2 was increased 1.1 Torr above control (P less than 0.001). In these goats VA did not change significantly during the subsequent 3 days of hypoxia. Accordingly, we conclude that the peripheral chemoreceptors are essential for ventilatory acclimatization of goats during chronic hypoxia.