Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Characterization of the Isolated, Ventilated, and Instrumented Mouse Lung Perfused with Pulsatile Flow
Published on: April 29, 2011
Pulmonary stretch receptor activity during partial liquid ventilation with different pressure waveforms
Esther Rieger-Fackeldey1, Anders Jonzon2, Andreas Schulze3
1Department of Women´s and Children´s Health, Section for Pediatrics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Perinatal Center, Neonatology, Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany; Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
Background:
The aim of the present study was to investigate pulmonary stretch receptor activity (PSR) under different peak inspiratory pressures (PIPs) and inspiratory pressure waveforms during partial liquid (PLV) and gas ventilation (GV).
Methods:
PSR instantaneous impulse frequency (PSRfimp) was recorded from single fibers in the vagal nerve during PLV and GV in young cats. PIPs were set at 1.2/1.8/2.2/2.7 kPa, and square and sinusoidal pressure waveforms were applied.
Results:
PSRfimp at the start of inspiration increased with increasing PIPs, and was steeper and higher with square than with sinusoidal waveforms (p < 0.05). Total number of impulses, peak and mean PSRfimp were lower during PLV than GV at the lowest and highest PIPs (p < 0.025). Time to peak PSRfimp was shorter with square than with sinusoidal waveforms at all pressures and ventilations (p < 0.005). Irrespective of waveform, lower PIPs yielded lower ventilation during PLV.
Conclusion:
As assessed by PSRfimp, increased PIPs do not expose the lungs to more stretching during PLV than during GV, with only minor differences between square and sinusoidal waveforms.
Related Concept Videos
Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs...
Ventilatory Modes
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
Respiratory Volumes
Tidal Volume (TV) Tidal volume (TV) is the air inhaled or exhaled in a...

