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THE EFFECT OF MULTIPLE EMBOLI OF THE CAPILLARIES AND ARTERIOLES OF ONE LUNG.
C A Binger1, D Boyd, R L Moore
1Hospital of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Pulmonary artery injections in dogs showed that rapid breathing occurs only when one lung is excluded from circulation. This suggests respiratory changes are linked to pulmonary vascular changes, not irritation from foreign bodies.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Pulmonary circulation
- Respiratory control
Background:
- Pulmonary artery emboli can affect respiratory rate.
- The precise mechanisms triggering respiratory changes are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of pulmonary artery injections on respiratory rate in dogs.
- To elucidate the role of pulmonary vascular changes in respiratory responses.
Main Methods:
- Developed a method for injecting substances into pulmonary artery branches without disrupting blood flow.
- Utilized temporary clamping of pulmonary arteries to exclude lung circulation.
- Monitored respiratory rate and analyzed blood gas parameters.
- Examined lung histology post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Injection into a single pulmonary artery branch did not alter respiratory rate when both lungs were perfused.
- Excluding one lung's circulation and injecting material induced rapid, shallow breathing.
- Respiratory rate normalization after reperfusion varied and correlated with lung histology (normal vs. congested/dilated vasculature).
- No correlation found with blood oxygen saturation, CO2 tension, or pH.
Conclusions:
- Accelerated respiration is not due to foreign body irritation but related to pulmonary vascular changes.
- Key factors include diminished pulmonary vascular bed, increased blood flow resistance, or arteriolar/capillary congestion/dilatation.
- Lung anatomy and vascular status significantly influence the respiratory response to pulmonary artery interventions.
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