Pharmacologically evoked apnoeas. Receptors and nervous pathways involved.

This review analyses the knowledge about the incidence of transient apnoeic spells, induced by substances which activate vagal chemically sensitive afferents. It considers the specificity and expression of appropriate receptors, and relevant research on pontomedullary circuits contributing to a cessation of respiration. Insight is gained into an excitatory drive of 5-HT1A serotonin receptors in overcoming opioid-induced respiratory inhibition.