To determine whether blockade of non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (non-NMDA) e
xcitatory amino acid receptors affects breathing, we administered the
non-NMDA receptor antagonist, -dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo(F)q
uinoxaline (NBQX), to anesthetized cats while monitoring phrenic nerve
discharge, blood pressure and heart rate. NBQX, 3 and 10 mg/kg, i.v.,
reduced phrenic amplitude 59 +/- 20% (n = 3) and 88 +/- 6% (n = 5), r
espectively, and decreased respiratory rate. Phrenic activity was comp
letely silenced in 3 animals. These effects were accompanied by decrea
sed blood pressure and heart rate. Our data indicate that NBQX, a comp
etitive antagonist of non-NMDA receptors, is a powerful depressant of
cardiorespiratory activity.