Inspiratory inhibition and rebound activation elicited by intermittent electrical bulbar stimulation in various states of pulmonary afferent vagal excitation

In anesthetized rabbits spirogram and diaphragmatic activity were examined during electrical stimulation of regions of the medulla oblongata. The volleys were triggered by the animal's own respiration. 1. One volley of 120 msec duration at 100 pulses p.s., applied during inspiratory, caused an immediate and transient inhibition of the diaphragmatic activity. After the end of the volley and inspiratory rebound appeared: the tidal volume was increased and the inspiration was prolonged by some 150 msec. The respiratory rate decreased. 2. Continuous low or high frequency electrical stimulation of pulmonary stretch afferents caused an inspiratory or an expiratory effect respectively. In both con…