Influence of lower body negative pressure release on soleus H reflex, respiratory sensations and reflexes in human subjects

Using a physiological model of acutely increasing venous return into the lungs, i.e. by applying and then releasing lower body negative pressure (LBNP) to mimic the natural stimulus of juxtapulmonary capillary (J) or pulmonary C fibre receptors, produced an immediate and significant reduction in the amplitude of the Hoffman (H) reflex by 81 ± 4% (P = 0.001) in a majority of subjects 70% (n = 5). Accompanying this was a notable change in the respiratory pattern with tidal volume (VT) increasing in all subjects from (mean) 0.462 ± .038 to 0.777 ± .061 l/min (P = 0.001) and the respiratory rate (FR) in 40% from 14 ± 1 to 24 ± 0.8 breaths/min. A feeling of pressure in throat, upper chest was reported by all and a shortness of breath-by 70% of the subjects. These were similar in nature to the respiratory sensations felt with threshold doses of intravenous lobeline, a well-established chemical stimulant of J receptors. All effects lasted for 15–20 s and within a minute the parameters resumed their earlier control values.In animals, respiratory augmentation and locomotion inhibition are well-established reflexes of J receptors – this simultaneous though transitory reduction in H reflex amplitude reflecting change in the excitability of the motoneurone pool and appearance of respiratory effects, is the first demonstration in human subjects of the two reflexes appearing in response to a sudden increase in pulmonary blood flow that mimics the natural stimulus of these receptors.