Hypercapnic stimulation of respiratory activity in unanesthetized fetal sheep in utero

Respiratory responses to hypercapnia were studied in seven chronic in utero fetal lambs between 105 and 138 days' gestation (16 expts). Fetal arterial CO2 tension was raised (mean increase 9.9 Torr) by altering maternal inspired gas concentrations. Diaphragmatic electromyogram (EMG) was recorded as the index of respiratory activity. Electrocortical and electroocular activity (3 fetuses) were monitored in an attempt to define sleep state. Average respiratory rate increased (90%) and fetal apnea decreased (60%) during hypercapnia. Mean respiratory rate during "on" periods (greater than 6 EMG bursts/min) increased significantly during hypercapnia throughout the gestational epoch studied. Mean duration of the inspiratory time (TI) showed no significant change. Variability in both rate and TI decreased in response to CO2 at all gestations. Integrated EMG activity per burst divided by TI increased significantly at all gestations; however, no gestational increase in responsiveness to CO2 was seen. Sleep states were not able to be consistently identified, and a quantifiable electrocortical response to CO2 was not observed. These results indicate a relatively early functional maturation of fetal respiratory responses to CO2.