[Postural changes in the pulmonary hemodynamics of rats under high-altitude conditions]

Transbronchial regional electroplethysmography and catheterization of pulmonary artery revealed alterations of pulmonary hemodynamic characteristics induced by changes of the gravitation body position in Wistar rats during 60- and 150-day stay at 3200-m altitude. The gravitational redistribution of blood volume and blood flow over various parts of lungs was less obvious than at the sea level. This seems to be due to a decreased compliance of the lung arterial vessels and to accompanying increased reactive part of hydraulic impedance.