Journal of applied physiology
-
The possible role of pulmonary C fibers in the hypoxia-induced concomitant increases in end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) and in the activity of the diaphragm at the end of expiration (DE) were evaluated by measuring the effects of hypoxia (10% O2) on ventilation, EELV, and DE in eight chloralose-urethan anesthetized rats. Recordings were made before and after blocking vagal C fibers and after bilateral vagotomy. C-fiber conduction was blocked by applying capsaicin perineurally to the cervical vagi. ⋯ Vagotomy performed during hypoxia resulted in large decreases in DE and EELV. Hypoxia increased DE and EELV in vagotomized rats but less than in intact rats. We conclude that the hypoxia-induced increases in EELV and diaphragmatic activity are probably not mediated by vagal C fibers and that vagal afferents are involved but not fully responsible for this phenomenon.