Fig. 2: Stable and unstable breathing patterns in spontaneously breathing preterm newborn rabbit kittens.
From: Hypoxia inhibits breathing and causes the glottis to close in preterm rabbit kittens at birth
An oesophageal catheter (mid-thoracic region) was used to measure intrathoracic pressure changes during breathing efforts after birth in preterm rabbit kittens. Each inspiration produced a distinct negative change in pressure within the thorax (*). a A period of stable breathing with regularly occurring breathing efforts that had a similar frequency and amplitude. b A period of unstable breathing where breathing efforts were inconsistent in their frequency and amplitude and periods of apnea were commonly seen.
