1. Based on similarities between properties of gasping and the aspiration reflex, we hypothesized that this reflex activates the central pattern generator for gasping. To evaluate this hypothesis, we have analysed high-frequency oscillations in phrenic and hypoglossal neural activities. These oscillations, analysed by power and coherence spectra, are considered as signatures of the central pattern generators for automatic ventilatory activity. 2. In decerebrate, vagotomized, paralysed and ventilated cats, the aspiration reflex was elicited in eupnoea and gasping by mechanical stimulation of the pharynx and electrical stimulation of the glossopharyngeal nerve. 3. Compared with eupnoeic values, the peaks in the power spectra occurred at higher frequencies in spontaneous gasping. Peaks in the coherence spectra showed identical changes. 4. Power and coherence spectra of inspiratory neural activities during the aspiration reflex differed markedly from those of eupnoea, but were similar to those in gasping. 5. We conclude that mechanical stimulation of the pharynx or electrical stimulation of the glossopharyngeal nerve activates a reflex by which the central pattern generator for eupnoea is depressed, and that for gasping is activated. Our results also support the concept that separate brainstem mechanisms generate ventilatory activity in eupnoea and gasping.