Effect of unilateral vagus blockade on antigen-induced airway obstruction.

Respiratory hypersensitivity and the effect of unilateral vagus blockade on the same, after the use of Ascaris extract aerosol, are studied in three boxer dogs with spontaneous reactivity to this aerosol. The dogs were exposed initially to Ascaris extract aerosol, and this exposure was repeated after unilateral vagus blockade and after its lavage. The principal parameters, deltaPoes (mm Hg)/100 ml TV, are given as a measurement of airway flow resistance and respiratory rates. The spontaneous respiratory distress observed in all the animals after exposure to the mentioned aerosol was avoided with unilateral blockade of the nervus vagus.