title: Magnitude estimation of inspiratory resistive loads by double-lung transplant recipients.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of afferent input from the lung and lower airways in magnitude estimation of inspiratory resistive loads (R). To assess the role of lung vagal afferents in respiratory sensation, sensations related to inspiratory R, reflected by subjects' percentage of handgrip responses (HG%), were compared between double-lung transplant (DLT) recipients with normal lung function and healthy control (Nor) subjects. Perceptual sensitivity to the external load was measured as the slope of HG% as a function of peak mouth pressure (Pm), and the slope of HG% as a function of R, after a log-log transformation. The results showed that the DLT group had a similar HG% response, as well as the slopes of log HG%-log Pm and log HG%-log R, compared with the Nor group. Furthermore, the ventilatory responses to external loads were also similar between the two groups. These results suggest that lung vagal afferents do not play a significant role in magnitude estimation of inspiratory resistive loads in humans.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy and Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA.
authors.forename: Weiying
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: A Daniel
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Paul W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Davenport
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000403:Airway Resistance; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation / Q000502:physiology*; D008168:Lung / Q000294:innervation; D016040:Lung Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology; D009991:Oscillometry; D011601:Psychophysics; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology*; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000502:physiology; D014797:Vital Capacity; D014939:Work of Breathing