Reflex inhibition of canine inspiratory intercostals by diaphragmatic tension receptors

1. Electrical stimulation of phrenic afferent fibres in the dog elicits a reflex inhibition of efferent activity to the inspiratory intercostal muscles. However, electrical stimulation has a poor selectivity, so the sensory receptors responsible for this inhibition were not identified. 2. In the present studies, cranial forces were applied during spontaneous inspiration to the abdominal surface of the central, tendinous portion of the canine diaphragm to activate tension mechanoreceptors in the muscle. Vagal afferent inputs were eliminated by vagotomy. 3. The application of force to the central tendon caused a graded, reflex reduction in inspiratory intercostal activity, especially in external intercostal activity. This reduction was commonly associated with a decrease in inspiratory duration and was invariably attenuated after section of the cervical dorsal roots. 4. In contrast, no change in inspiratory intercostal activity was seen when high frequency mechanical vibration was applied to the central tendon to stimulate diaphragmatic muscle spindles. 5. These observations provide strong evidence that tension receptors in the diaphragm, but not muscle spindles, induce reflex inhibition of inspiratory intercostal activity. The expression of this reflex probably involves supraspinal structures.