Effects of temperature on the ventilatory response to inspired CO2 in unanaesthetized domestic fowl.

The influence of raised environmental temperature on the respiratory response to CO2 in awake, spontaneously breathing domestic fowl was investigated. In terms of their effects on ventilation VE temperature and CO2 were additive and non-interactive, VE being approximately 1900 ml . min-1 greater at 33 +/- 1 degree C compared to 18 +/- 1 degree C, regardless of inspired CO2 partial pressure PICO2. Temperature had no effect on the slope of the relationship between VE and both arterial and clavicular air sac PCO2. Blood and clavicular sac PCO2 were regulated within 2-3 Torr of normal at PICO2 levels below approximately 20 Torr as a result of hyperventilation but PCO2 regulation began to fail at higher PICO2. Hypercapnia induced increases in respiratory frequency f at normal temperatures but decreases in f at 33 +/- 1 degree C. There was little change in f at 25 +/- 1 degree C. The ventilatory increase in response to CO2 at 18 +/- 1 degree C and 25 +/- 1 degree C could be described by a linear relationship between VE and tidal volume VT. However, respiration departed from this pattern at temperatures above the panting threshold (32-34 degrees C). These findings are discussed in the context of central and peripheral mechanisms which may be involved in the control of rate and depth of breathing.