Pathophysiological mechanisms of resistive breathing

AIM: This study aimed to explore the pathophysiological mechanisms of resistive breathing by using a model of a conditioned respiratory reflex to external resistance to breathing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inspiratory resistive loads were used 11, 28, 54, and 78 cmAq/l/s to model a conditioned respiratory reflex. External respiration was parametrized on the basis of the analysis of motor and ventilatory outputs. Conditioned signals were pure sounds exceeding the threshold of perception by 10 db at 2000 Hz frequency. All the test persons were divided into two groups (large and small groups) according to the initial reinforcement value. (1) In the large group (37 individuals), the conditioned reflex was formed from 11 cmAq/l/s that was subsequently increased stepwise in the load to 76 cmAq/l/s. (2) In the small group (18 individuals), the initial reinforcements were different gradations of resistive loads, with a stepwise transition to the other parameters of an unconditioned stimulus. The period of the isolated application of a conditioned signal (CS) was 20 s, the interval between signals was not fixed, varying from 2 min to 4 min. Six to eight combinations of the conditioned and unconditioned stimuli were used for 1 day of the experiment.

RESULTS: The increase in the added respiratory resistance was associated with the pronounced reduction of pulmonary and alveolar ventilation, that is, with the hypoventilation type of resistive load realization. Changes in ventilation during the isolated application of a conditioned signal had an alternative character. In particular, as the reinforcement factor increased, a pronounced shift to hyperventilation was noted.

CONCLUSION: The reinforcement value of the conditioned reflex changed stepwise, thereby significantly restructuring the proportion between the effectiveness of the adaptive activity in the realization of external resistance to inspiration (the time of stay under a certain load) and its physiological cost (totalities of the deviations of physiological and energy parameters).