Case study in scientific visualization: factors inducing periodic breathing in humans with blunted hypoxic sensitivity

This project represents a typical problem, that of presenting and gaining deeper understanding of a multi-dimensional system: a mathematical model predicting 20-90 second duration oscillations in breathing. We have utilized custom software for interactive analysis of a 3D model plus Wavefront software to render translucent images of the 3D surfaces. The results show that under conditions of no peripheral chemosensor sensitivity, periodic breathing is predicted to occur with (1) an increase in circulatory transit time between the lungs and brain, (2) the presence of marked 'steady state' hypoventilation, and/or (3) an increase in brain blood flow rate. Therefore, we conclude that the peripheral chemosensors (carotid bodies) are not essential for the development of periodic breathing.