Modified technique using perfused isolated guinea pig lung to determine effect of an aerosol constituent on pulmonary dynamics

Polyethylene glycol 400, a commonly used plasticizer in many cosmetic aerosol hair sprays, was tested to determine its effect on perfusion pressure, perfusion vascular flow rate, and tidal volume in the perfused isolated guinea pig lung. Negative pressure was maintained within the chamber housing the intact lungs, and initial perfusion of the pulmonary vasculature was accomplished via the right side of the heart in situ after guinea pigs were sacrificed by decapitation. Polyethylene glycol 400 was injected into the pulmonary arterial system in doses of 0.01-30 microgram/ml after pretreatment with isoproterenol (1 microgram/ml). Isoproterenol was then readministered, followed by nebulized doses of the cosmetic chemical into the trachea at 0.3, 3, and 30% concentrations. Nebulized polyethylene glycol 400 was also administered in 50, 70, and 90% concentrations. Polyethylene glycol 400 significantly increased perfusion pressure and flow rate after injection into the pulmonary arterial system of the isolated lung. In addition, nebulized administration in concentrations of 0.3-30% significantly increased the perfusion flow rate; following the 50-90% nebulized doses, a significant increase in both perfusion pressure and flow rate was observed. Tidal volume decreased, regardless of the route of administration, as increasing doses of the cosmetic constituent were delivered to the isolated lung.