In Vivo Assessment of Airway Function in the Mouse Model

This chapter describes two procedures commonly used to examine airway function in mice. Airway function can be assessed in vivo using noninvasive or invasive methods. Noninvasive methods can be used to monitor respiratory function in mice without the involvement of restraint, anesthesia, or surgery. The methods allow for multiple animals to be monitored simultaneously and can be used in longitudinal studies requiring repeated measurements on the same animals. Invasive methods are used to assess airway function under anesthesia, in mechanically ventilated mice. Although used as terminal procedure, the invasive methods are most appropriate for direct assessment of lower airway dysfunction.