Coordination between rib cage muscles and diaphragm during quiet breathing in humans

1984 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 899-906 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. De Troyer ◽  
M. Estenne
Keyword(s):  
Tidal Volume ◽  
Marked Reduction ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Quiet Breathing ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
Intercostal Muscles ◽  
Inspiratory Activity ◽  
Normal Humans ◽  
Volume Range

The pattern of activation of the scalenes and the parasternal intercostal muscles was studied in relation to the pattern of rib cage and abdominal motion during various respiratory maneuvers in the tidal volume range in five normal humans. Electromyograms (EMG) of the scalenes and parasternal intercostals were recorded with bipolar needle electrodes, and changes in abdominal and rib cage displacement were measured using linearized magnetometers. The scalenes and parasternal intercostals were always active during quiet breathing, and their pattern of activation was identical; in both muscles the EMG activity usually started together with the beginning of inspiration, increased in intensity as inspiration proceeded, and persisted into the early part of expiration. In addition, like the parasternal activity the scalene inspiratory activity persisted until the tidal volume was trivial, increased during tidal inspirations performed with the rib cage alone, and was nearly abolished during diaphragmatic isovolume maneuvers. However, attempts to perform tidal inspiration with the diaphragm alone, while causing an increase in parasternal EMG activity, were associated with a marked reduction or a suppression of scalene EMG activity and a reduced substantially distorted rib cage expansion. In particular, the upper rib cage was then moving paradoxically.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Activation of the parasternal intercostals during breathing efforts in human subjects

1982 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 524-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. De Troyer ◽  
M. G. Sampson
Keyword(s):  
Human Subjects ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Tidal Breathing ◽  
Quiet Breathing ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
Intercostal Muscles ◽  
Breathing Maneuver ◽  
Inspiratory Activity

We have tested the possibility that the electromyographic (EMG) activity present in the parasternal intercostal muscles during quiet inspiration was reflexive, rather than agonistic, in nature. Using concentric needle electrodes we measured parasternal EMG activity in four normal subjects during various inspiratory maneuvers. We found that 1) phasic inspiratory activity was invariably present in the parasternal intercostals during quiet breathing, 2) the parasternal EMG activity was generally increased during attempts to perform the tidal breathing maneuver with the diaphragm alone, 3) parasternal EMG activity was markedly decreased or suppressed in the presence of rib cage distortion during diaphragmatic isovolume maneuvers, and 4) that EMG activity could not be voluntarily suppressed during breathing unless the inspired volume was trivial. We conclude that the parasternal EMG activity detected during quiet inspiration in the normal subjects depends on a central involuntary mechanism and is not related to activation of intercostal mechanoreceptors.

Role of intercostal muscles in the rib cage distortions produced by inspiratory loads

1982 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 517-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. G. Sampson ◽  
A. De Troyer
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Activity ◽  
Strong Evidence ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
The Other ◽  
Reflex Activity ◽  
Quiet Breathing ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
Intercostal Muscles ◽  
Inspiratory Activity

We studied the patterns of rib cage (RC) deformation in six normal subjects breathing against different resistive and elastic inspiratory loads, and we examined, with concentric needle electrodes, the role played by the inspiratory intercostal muscles in the development of these patterns. Four of the subjects deformed their RC to a more elliptical shape during loaded inspirations; RC anteroposterior diameter became smaller and RC lateral diameter became larger. The RC deformation increased as the load increased, but it appeared to be independent of the nature of the load. Moreover these deformations were associated with a marked increase in the inspiratory activity of the intercostals situated in the lateral parts of the RC and a striking diminution of the activity in the parasternal area. On the other hand, two subjects invariably breathed along their RC relaxation characteristic, and they showed an increased inspiratory activity in all regions of the intercostal musculature. These findings indicate that 1) the pattern of RC deformation during loaded inspirations is closely related to the activity and coordination of the various inspiratory intercostal muscles, and 2) the parasternal intercostals are not necessarily representative of all the inspiratory intercostals. They are also strong evidence against the concept that the parasternal intercostal electrical activity normally recorded during quiet breathing is an excitatory reflex activity.

Salutary effect of fall in abdominal pressure during diaphragm paralysis

1984 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 1320-1324
Author(s):  
S. Kelly ◽  
W. A. Zin ◽  
M. Decramer ◽  
A. De Troyer
Keyword(s):  
Tidal Volume ◽  
Abdominal Wall ◽  
Diaphragmatic Paralysis ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Abdominal Pressure ◽  
Quiet Breathing ◽  
Lung Inflation ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Salutary Effect

To examine the mechanical effects of the fall in abdominal pressure (Pab) that occurs during inspiration in diaphragmatic paralysis, we studied lung inflation and rib cage expansion before and after the abdomen was opened in nine spontaneously breathing dogs with bilateral phrenicotomy . We measured Pab, tidal volume, and parasternal electromyographic (EMG) activity during quiet breathing and CO2-induced hyperpnea. In six dogs, we also measured changes in anteroposterior and transverse rib cage diameters, the resting length of the parasternal intercostal muscles, and the amount of shortening of these muscles during inspiration. Opening the abdomen caused a marked reduction in the fall in Pab during inspiration and invariably resulted in a decrease in tidal volume (mean decrease, 13%), which contrasted with marked increases in inspiratory rib cage expansion and in the amount of parasternal intercostal shortening. The procedure, however, did not affect the resting length or inspiratory EMG activity of the parasternals . These findings indicate that although the fall in Pab, which occurs during inspiration in diaphragmatic paralysis, causes paradoxical inward displacement of the ventral abdominal wall, it has a salutary effect on tidal volume. This phenomenon is probably due to the fact that the diaphragm is part of the abdominal wall.

Mechanics of the rib cage and diaphragm during sleep

1977 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 600-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Tusiewicz ◽  
H. Moldofsky ◽  
A. C. Bryan ◽  
M. H. Bryan
Keyword(s):  
Tidal Volume ◽  
Supine Position ◽  
Marked Reduction ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Upright Position ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement Sleep ◽  
Sleep State ◽  
Quiet Sleep ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
The Subject

The pattern of motion of the rib cage and abdomen/diaphragm was studied in three normal subjects during sleep. Sleep state was monitored by electroencephalograph and electrocculograph. Intercostal electromyographs (EMG's) were recorded from the second interspace parasternally. Abdominothoracic motion was monitored with magnetometers and these signals calibrated by isovolume lines either immediately before going to sleep, or if there was movement, on awakening. Respiration was recorded using a jerkin plethysmograph. In the awake subject in the supine position, the rib cage contributed 44% to the tidal volume and had essentially the same contribution in quiet sleep. However, in active or rapid eye movement sleep the rib cage contribution fell to 19% of the tidal volume. This was accompanied by a marked reduction in the intercostal EMG. With the subject in the upright position the rib cage appears to be passively driven by the diaphragm. However, the present data suggest that active contraction of the intercostal muscles is required for normal rib cage expansion in the supine position.

Patterns of intercostal muscle activity in humans

1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 2087-2094 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. A. Whitelaw ◽  
T. Feroah
Keyword(s):  
Human Subjects ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Deep Breathing ◽  
Flow Volume ◽  
Intercostal Muscle ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
Intercostal Muscles ◽  
Fine Wire ◽  
Midaxillary Line ◽  
Emg Electrodes

Coordination of activity of inspiratory intercostal muscles in conscious human subjects was studied by means of an array of electromyograph (EMG) electrodes. Bipolar fine wire electrodes were placed in the second and fourth parasternal intercostal muscles and in two or three external intercostal muscles in the midaxillary line from the fourth to eighth intercostal spaces. Subjects breathed quietly or rebreathed from a bag containing 8% CO2 in O2 in both supine and upright postures. Respiration was monitored by means of flow, volume, and separate rib cage and abdominal volumes. Onset of EMG activity in each breath was found near the beginning of inspiration in the uppermost intercostal spaces but progressively later in inspiration in lower spaces, indicating that activity spreads downward across the rib cage through inspiration. At higher ventilation stimulated by CO2, activity spread further and faster downward. In voluntary deep breathing, external intercostal muscles tended to be recruited earlier in inspiration than in CO2-stimulated breathing. The change from supine to sitting resulted in small and inconsistent changes. There was no lung volume or rib cage volume threshold for appearance of EMG activity in any of the spaces.

Association of chest wall motion and tidal volume responses during CO2 rebreathing

1996 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 1528-1534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheng Yan ◽  
Pawel Sliwinski ◽  
Peter T. Macklem
Keyword(s):  
Tidal Volume ◽  
Chest Wall ◽  
Wall Motion ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Quiet Breathing ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
Chest Wall Motion ◽  
Variable Recruitment ◽  
The Individual ◽  
End Tidal

Yan, Sheng, Pawel Sliwinski, and Peter T. Macklem.Association of chest wall motion and tidal volume responses during CO2 rebreathing. J. Appl. Physiol. 81(4): 1528–1534, 1996.—The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of chest wall configuration at end expiration on tidal volume (Vt) response during CO2 rebreathing. In a group of 11 healthy male subjects, the changes in end-expiratory and end-inspiratory volume of the rib cage (ΔVrc,e and ΔVrc,i, respectively) and abdomen (ΔVab,eand ΔVab,i, respectively) measured by linearized magnetometers were expressed as a function of end-tidal[Formula: see text]([Formula: see text]). The changes in end-expiratory and end-inspiratory volumes of the chest wall (ΔVcw,e and ΔVcw,i, respectively) were calculated as the sum of the respective rib cage and abdominal volumes. The magnetometer coils were placed at the level of the nipples and 1–2 cm above the umbilicus and calibrated during quiet breathing against the Vt measured from a pneumotachograph. The ΔVrc,e/[Formula: see text]slope was quite variable among subjects. It was significantly positive ( P < 0.05) in five subjects, significantly negative in four subjects ( P < 0.05), and not different from zero in the remaining two subjects. The ΔVab,e/[Formula: see text]slope was significantly negative in all subjects ( P < 0.05) with a much smaller intersubject variation, probably suggesting a relatively more uniform recruitment of abdominal expiratory muscles and a variable recruitment of rib cage muscles during CO2rebreathing in different subjects. As a group, the mean ΔVrc,e/[Formula: see text], ΔVab,e/[Formula: see text], and ΔVcw,e/[Formula: see text]slopes were 0.010 ± 0.034, −0.030 ± 0.007, and −0.020 ± 0.032 l / Torr, respectively; only the ΔVab,e/[Formula: see text]slope was significantly different from zero. More interestingly, the individual ΔVt/[Formula: see text]slope was negatively associated with the ΔVrc,e/[Formula: see text]( r = −0.68, P = 0.021) and ΔVcw,e/[Formula: see text]slopes ( r = −0.63, P = 0.037) but was not associated with the ΔVab,e/[Formula: see text]slope ( r = 0.40, P = 0.223). There was no correlation of the ΔVrc,e/[Formula: see text]and ΔVcw,e/[Formula: see text]slopes with age, body size, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, or expiratory time. The group ΔVab,i/[Formula: see text]slope (0.004 ± 0.014 l / Torr) was not significantly different from zero despite the Vt nearly being tripled at the end of CO2 rebreathing. In conclusion, the individual Vtresponse to CO2, although independent of ΔVab,e, is a function of ΔVrc,e to the extent that as the ΔVrc,e/[Formula: see text]slope increases (more positive) among subjects, the Vt response to CO2 decreases. These results may be explained on the basis of the respiratory muscle actions and interactions on the rib cage.

scholarly journals Functional, cellular, and biochemical adaptations to elastase-induced emphysema in hamster medial scalene

2000 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 1327-1337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Fournier ◽  
Michael I. Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Chain ◽  
Fatigue Properties ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Dynamic Hyperinflation ◽  
Fiber Types ◽  
Quiet Breathing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
Inspiratory Activity

The scalene has been reported to be an accessory inspiratory muscle in the hamster. We hypothesize that with the chronic loads and/or dynamic hyperinflation associated with emphysema (Emp), the scalene will be actively recruited, resulting in functional, cellular, and biochemical adaptations. Emp was induced in adult hamsters. Inspiratory electromyogram (EMG) activity was recorded from the medial scalene and costal diaphragm. Isometric contractile and fatigue properties were evaluated in vitro. Muscle fibers were classified histochemically and immunohistochemically. Individual fiber cross-sectional areas (CSA) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities were determined quantitatively. Myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms were identified by SDS-PAGE, and their proportions were determined by scanning densitometry. All Emp animals exhibited spontaneous scalene inspiratory EMG activity during quiet breathing, whereas the scalene muscles of controls (Ctl) were silent. There were no differences in contractile and fatigue properties of the scalene between Ctl and Emp. In Emp, the relative amount of MHC2Awas 15% higher whereas that of MHC2X was 14% lower compared with Ctl. Similarly, the proportion of type IIa fibers increased significantly in Emp animals with a concomitant decrease in IIx fibers. CSA of type IIx fibers were significantly smaller in Emp compared with Ctl. SDH activities of all fiber types were significantly increased by 53 to 63% in Emp. We conclude that with Emp the actively recruited scalene exhibits primary-like inspiratory activity in the hamster. Adaptations of the scalene with Emp likely relate both to increased loads and to factors intrinsic to muscle architecture and chest mechanics.

Respiratory response to abdominal and rib cage muscle paralysis in dogs

1993 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. 2309-2317 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. F. Brichant ◽  
M. Gorini ◽  
A. De Troyer
Keyword(s):  
Tidal Volume ◽  
Abdominal Cavity ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
Respiratory Response ◽  
Muscle Paralysis ◽  
Transdiaphragmatic Pressure ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
Inspiratory Muscles ◽  
Arterial Blood

To assess the respiratory response to abdominal and rib cage muscle paralysis, we measured tidal volume, esophageal and gastric pressures, arterial blood gases, and the electromyogram (EMG) of the diaphragm during progressive epidural anesthesia (lidocaine 2%) in 35 supine anesthetized dogs. The EMG activity of the diaphragm was measured with fine-wire electrodes; the abdominal cavity was thus left intact. Paralysis of the abdominal muscles alone did not produce any alterations. In contrast, when all rib cage muscles were also paralyzed, there were substantial increases in the peak height and the rate of rise of diaphragmatic EMG activity that were associated with a decrease in tidal volume and an increase in arterial PCO2 (PaCO2); swings in transdiaphragmatic pressure, however, were unchanged. The increased diaphragmatic activation due to rib cage muscle paralysis persisted after bilateral cervical vagotomy and was well explained by the increased PaCO2. These observations indicate that in the dog 1) the rib cage muscles contribute significantly to tidal volume, and their paralysis causes, through the increased hypercapnic drive, a compensatory increase in diaphragmatic activation; and 2) the rib cage inspiratory muscles enhance the diaphragm's ability to generate pressure during breathing.

Respiratory changes in thoracic muscle length during bronchoconstriction

1987 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 221-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. van Lunteren ◽  
M. A. Haxhiu ◽  
E. C. Deal ◽  
J. S. Arnold ◽  
N. S. Cherniack
Keyword(s):  
Tidal Volume ◽  
Respiratory Muscle ◽  
Muscle Length ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Intercostal Muscle ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Intercostal Muscles ◽  
Fine Wire ◽  
Velocity Of Shortening ◽  
The Mean

The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of bronchoconstriction on respiratory changes in length of the costal diaphragm and the parasternal intercostal muscles. Ten dogs were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium and tracheostomized. Respiratory changes in muscle length were measured using sonomicrometry, and electromyograms were recorded with bipolar fine-wire electrodes. Administration of histamine aerosols increased pulmonary resistance from 6.4 to 14.5 cmH2O X l–1 X s, caused reductions in inspiratory and expiratory times, and decreased tidal volume. The peak and rate of rise of respiratory muscle electromyogram (EMG) activity increased significantly after histamine administration. Despite these increases, bronchoconstriction reduced diaphragm inspiratory shortening in 9 of 10 dogs and reduced intercostal muscle inspiratory shortening in 7 of 10 animals. The decreases in respiratory muscle tidal shortening were less than the reductions in tidal volume. The mean velocity of diaphragm and intercostal muscle inspiratory shortening increased after histamine administration but to a smaller extent than the rate of rise of EMG activity. This resulted in significant reductions in the ratio of respiratory muscle velocity of shortening to the rate of rise of EMG activity after bronchoconstriction for both the costal diaphragm and the parasternal intercostal muscles. Bronchoconstriction changed muscle end-expiratory length in most animals, but for the group of animals this was statistically significant only for the diaphragm. These results suggest that impairments of diaphragm and parasternal intercostal inspiratory shortening occur after bronchoconstriction; the mechanisms involved include an increased load, a shortening of inspiratory time, and for the diaphragm possibly a reduction in resting length.

Respiratory function of intercostal muscles in supine dog: an electromyographic study

1986 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 1692-1699 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. De Troyer ◽  
V. Ninane
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Function ◽  
Traditional View ◽  
Lower Portion ◽  
Intercostal Muscle ◽  
Muscle Action ◽  
Quiet Breathing ◽  
Rib Cage ◽  
Intercostal Muscles ◽  
Anesthetized Dogs ◽  
The Difference

It is traditionally considered that the difference in orientation of the muscle fibers makes the external intercostals elevate the ribs and the internal interosseous intercostals lower the ribs during breathing. This traditional view, however, has recently been challenged by the observation that the external and internal interosseous intercostals, when contracting alone in a single interspace, have a similar effect on the ribs into which they insert. This view has also been challenged by the observation that the external and internal intercostals in a given interspace often change their length in the same direction during breathing. In an attempt to clarify the respiratory function of these muscles, we studied eight supine lightly anesthetized dogs during quiet breathing and during static inspiratory efforts. In each animal electromyographic (EMG) recordings from the external and internal interosseous intercostals were obtained in all interspaces from the second to the eighth, and selective denervations were systematically performed to ensure with complete certainty the origin of the recorded EMG activities. The external intercostals were only activated in phase with inspiration, whereas the internal interosseous intercostals were only activated in phase with expiration. These phasic EMG activities, however, were generally small in magnitude, and the muscles were often silent. Indeed, activation of the externals was always confined to the upper portion of the rib cage, whereas activation of the internals was limited to the lower portion of the rib cage. Internal intercostal activation always occurred sequentially along a caudocephalic gradient. These observations are thus compatible with the traditional view of intercostal muscle action.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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