P1336

        Physiol Bohemoslov 1983;32(4):318-23

        The role of vagal nerves in changes of functional residual lung capacity

        during acute hypoxia.

        Vízek M, Frydrychová M, Houštěk S, Paleček F.

        Functional residual capacity of the lungs (FRC) was measured by a

        plethysmographic method in anaesthetized, intubated rats breathing air

        or a hypoxic mixture (10% O2 in N2), before and after bilateral cervical

        vagotomy. Inhalation of the with intact vagi, the drop in Pao2 was

        accompanied by a significant rise of FRC; after hypoxic mixture led to

        the same decrease in Pao2 before and after vagotomy. In rats vagotomy,

        hypoxia did not affect the FRC. The vagal nerves are thus apparently

        necessary for the increase of FRC during hypoxia in the rat.