Effect of bilateral destruction of the subretrofacial area on central inspiratory activity of the respiratory center and on the respiratory response to hypercapnia

Local bilateral destruction with 1 M glutamic acid of neuronal structures located between ventral surface of the medulla oblongata and the retrofacial nucleus (subretrofacial area) in rats increases the amplitude of pulses from the phrenic nerve and lowers respiratory rate. Hypercapnia does not affect the amplitude of phrenic nerve pulses but increases respiratory rate. It is suggested that the amplitude of central respiratory activity is regulated by the central chemoreceptors with participation of neuronal structures located in the subretrofacial area.