Dopaminergic interaction with the respiratory control system in the rat.

Apomorphine given to rats lightly anesthetized with halothane produces a dose dependent increase in respiratory frequency and minute ventilation. Although basal arterial CO2 tensions were not significantly altered by apomorphine, the mechanical response to exogenous CO2 exposure was greatly increased in rats given apomorphine. Haloperidol returned the apomorphine-stimulated respiratory pattern to control values. It is concluded that dopamine neurons may have important interactions with respiratory control.