Breathing patterns during curare-induced muscle weakness.

This study examines the pattern of breathing used by normal subjects to compensate for an acute decrease in muscle strength. A continuous infusion of curare was used to reduce peak inspiratory pressure in six normal subjects from normal control levels to -45 cm H2O (moderate weakness) and to -70 cm H2O (mild weakness). Before administration of curare, inspiratory pressure exceeded -120 cm H2O. A canopy-computer-spirometer system was used for noninvasive spirometry and measurements of gas exchange. Partial curarization to a mild level of muscle weakness did not produce significant changes in the respiratory functions studied. With a moderate level of muscle weakness, there were significant increases in tidal volume from 166 to 186 ml/m2 and in inspiratory time from 1.51 to 1.71 sec (P less than 0.05). Minute ventilation and inspiratory flow did not change. However, when given 3% CO2, both normal and partially curarized subjects increased minute ventilation, from 2.3 to 5.7 L/min/m2 and from 2.5 to 6.7 L/min/m2, respectively. The increases in both conditions were secondary to increases in tidal volume. There was also a small increase in respiratory frequency from 15.4 to 18 breaths/min, P less than 0.01 in the partially curarized group given 3% CO2. Because minute ventilation was preserved while vital capacity decreased, it is proposed that respiration is maintained in the presence of muscle weakness associated with curare by diaphragmatic function which remains relatively unaffected by curarization.