Respiratory adjustments of the unanaesthetized chicken, Gallus domesticus, to elevated metabolism elicited by 2,4-dinitrophenol or cold exposure.

The effects of pharmacologically elevated metabolism on ventilation, gaseous exchange and blood gases were studied in spontaneously breathing unanaesthetized decerebrate chickens using 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) injected intravenously in successive single doses of 2.5-5.0 mg/kg. These responses were compared with the cardiorespiratory adjustments to elevated metabolism evoked by shivering in conscious birds. Oxygen consumption increased with cumulative amounts of DNP, reaching 275 +/- 30% of control values at the maximum tolerated dose of 10-15 mg/kg. Increases in ventilation matched the changes in oxygen consumption via increases in both breathing frequency and tidal volume. Arterial blood gases and pH remained unchanged. Exposure to cold (Ta = 2 +/- 2 degrees C) caused oxygen consumption to increase to 185 +/- 21% of control values. Respiratory and cardiovascular adjustments were similar to those evoked by DNP and were comparable to those produced by low intensity treadmill exercise (cf. Gleeson and Brackenbury, 1984).