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A study of awake rats reveals that cocaine interaction with the dopaminergic system possibly causes the cocaine-induced respiratory excitation that is possibly linked with behavioral arousal. While acute cocaine possibly increases alveolar ventilation under conditions of hypoxia and hypercapnia, chronic cocaine may reduce peripheral chemosensitivity, thereby causing respiratory depression.

Investigates the effects of acute and chronic cocaine on breathing and chemosensitivity in rats. Respiratory variables recorded during room air breathing before and after injection of sodium chloride or cocaine; Ventilatory variables during hypercapnia before and after cocaine injection; Effects of hypoxia.