[Effects of graded distensions of the thoracic esophagus on spontaneous activity of the diaphragm in the cat and rabbit].

In 20 Cats and 10 Rabbits, under Nembutal anaesthesia, the thoracic oesophagus has been distended at different levels by means of a small latex balloon. We have observed an inhibition of the electrical activity of the crura during the distensions of the lower oesophagus. This modification disappears after bivagotomy. Therefore it is probably mediated by a vagal reflex. The long duration of the observed inhibition suggests that the slow adaptating receptors lying at the level of the oesophago-gastric junction are involved.