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Phenotyping Mouse Pulmonary Function In Vivo with the Lung Diffusing Capacity
Published on: January 6, 2015
The lung diffusing capacity for nitric oxide in rats is increased during endotoxemia.
1John B. Pierce Laboratory, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06519, USA.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|February 22, 2001
Summary
Endotoxemia significantly increases nitric oxide (NO) diffusion in rat lungs. This study shows increased lung diffusing capacity for NO (DL(NO)) and endogenous NO production during endotoxemia.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary physiology
- Respiratory medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Endotoxin injection in rats induces nitric oxide (NO) exhalation within one hour.
- Understanding NO's role in lung function during endotoxemia is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the diffusing capacity for NO in the lungs of rats (DL(NO)) under control and endotoxemic conditions.
- To estimate the rate of endogenous NO (VP(NO)) entering the distal lung compartment during endotoxemia.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of lung diffusing capacity for NO (DL(NO)) in rats.
- Estimation of endogenous NO entering the distal lung compartment (VP(NO)).
- Comparison of parameters between control and endotoxemic rats.
Main Results:
- DL(NO) increased from 0.68 +/- 0.12 to 1.17 +/- 0.25 ml.min(-1).mmHg(-1) in endotoxemic rats.
- VP(NO) increased from 2.6 +/- 0.5 nl/min to 218.6 +/- 50.1 nl/min at 3 hours post-endotoxin.
- Increased DL(NO) may be linked to pulmonary hypertension and increased pulmonary capillary volume.
Conclusions:
- Endotoxemia significantly enhances NO diffusion and production in the rat lung.
- Increased DL(NO) is associated with pulmonary hypertension and NO-mediated vasodilation.
- Pathological NO exhalation originates from the alveolar compartment during endotoxemia.
