THE REGULATION OF RESPIRATION

Abstract

Acidity changes in the cerebro-spinal fluid were continuously recorded by the MnO2 electrode and checked with the quinhydrone electrode. Under physiological control of pulmonary ventilation, the cerebro-spinal fluid first turned alkaline and during recovery from the injection of NaCN, increased in acidity well above normal. Under constant mechanical control of ventilation the initial alkaline change was virtually missing and the subsequent increasing acidity was more abrupt. These differences are attributed to the relative effects of constant and augmented ventilation on the elimination and accumulation of CO2. The change in respiratory movements are discussed in relation to acidity changes in the respiratory neurone and its immediate external environment, resulting from impaired oxidation.