Functional formation of respiratory system in neonatal calves with different viability

Start of spontaneous breathing is one of the most important factors in adaptation of the newborn to environment. In contrast to the anatomical and physiological features, transient states of newborn appear at delivery or after the birth and stop when the adaptation period ends. However, under the influence of certain factors, such as the peculiarities of prenatal period and delivery, external conditions, feeding and maintenance of the newborn, they may become pathologic. At an industrial complex (Voronezh region), we studied the peculiarities of formation of the respiratory functions and respiratory water release in neonatal Red-and-White calves with different viability. Spirometric investigations were supplemented with measuring pH and concentration of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) in the exhaled breath condensate with the ion-selective electrodes on the Olympus-400 analyzer («Beckman Coulter», USA), and atomic adsorption spectrophotometer («Perkin Elmer», USA). Acid-base status and venous blood gas composition also was tested with ABL-330 («Radiometer», Denmark). The role of physiological hyperventilation in the normalization of acid-base status and blood gases balance of the neonate, the dilatation of the bronchial tubes and lungs unfolding was shown. Breath water excretion in calves is closely connected with liquid secretion, produced in the alveoli and bronchi, the excess of which is absorbed by the epithelium of the upper airways. Hypoxia and acidosis dramatically increase the parasympathetic effects, causing bronchospasm and increased secretion in bronchial glands, which affects the intensity of the respiratory water generation and physico-chemical properties of the exhaled breath condensate.