Influence of upper airway pressure changes on respiratory frequency

Influences of pressure changes within the upper airway on respiratory frequency were studied in anesthetized rabbits. These reflex effects were investigated in two ways: (1) by applying sustained negative or positive pressures to isolated upper airway in vagally intact animals during tracheostomy breathing, and (2) by briefly occluding the nasal airways of vagotomized animals at end expiration. Negative pressure applied to isolated upper airway decreased the respiratory frequency (P less than 0.01). Decrease in respiratory frequency correlated with magnitude of pressure change. In contrast, positive pressures produced an increase in respiratory frequency (P less than 0.05). But, the increase in frequency correlated poorly with magnitude of positive pressure change. A post-stimulus effect lasting several breaths was seen following the release of both negative and positive pressures (P less than 0.01). Nasal occlusion in vagotomized animals was associated with an increase in Ti and Ttot of the first nasally occluded breath (P less than 0.05). Increase in Ti was not associated with an increase in peak diaphragmatic activity. This would result in decreased inspiratory load on the upper airway patency maintaining muscles by reducing the mean inspiratory pressure. Hence, these reflex responses to airway pressure could play a functional role in the maintenance of upper airway patency.