Pulmonary functions in conscious and anesthetized rhesus macaques

Techniques for measurements of selected pulmonary functions for a period of 6 hours in conscious and lightly anesthetized rhesus macaques are described. Among all variables measured, only higher PaCO2 (367 +/- 32 mm of Hg) occurred in macaques breathing O2 as compared with those breathing room air. Tidal volume, respiratory rate, minute volume, O2 consumption, and specific ventilation in conscious and anesthetized monkeys were not significantly different. Further, respiratory and metabolic values from lightly anesthetized macaques in the present study agree well with the reports of others. However, differences were the higher values for O2 consumption, tidal volume, respiratory rate, and minute volume obtained with the presently described techniques as compared with certain reported data.