[Radionuclide evaluation of the relation between the upper and lower respiratory organs]

Functional examination of the lungs provides information on global pulmonary parameters. Radionuclide examination of pulmonary ventilation and gas distribution in the latter makes it possible to evaluate the functional regional finding in the lungs. In six subjects, using the bolus method with 133Xe, the respiratory system as a whole was examined and relations between upper and lower airways were evaluated. It did not prove possible to demonstrate by the radionuclide examination that there exists a homolateral relationship between the respective side of the nose and lungs and that experimental short-term irritation and obstruction of one of the nasal cavity influences the regional ventilation and distribution of gas in the lungs. It can be assumed that a change on the tracheobronchial tree induced by nasal reflexes does not cause an apparent change in the pulmonary ventilation, but changes in a negative way the respiratory mechanics and the air flow in the lower airways.