Single-breath method for measurement of respiratory mechanics in anesthetized animals

In six spontaneously breathing anesthetized cats (pentobarbital sodium, 35 mg/kg ip) airflow, changes in lung volume and tracheal pressure were measured. The airways were occluded at end inspiration (VT). During the ensuing period of apnea (Breuer-Hering inflation reflex), the animal relaxed the respiratory muscles and the passive compliance of the respiratory system (Crs) was computed by dividing VT by the tracheal pressure. While the animal was still relaxed, the airways were reopened, and during the ensuing relaxed expiration the volume-flow relationship was linear, the slope representing the time constant of the respiratory system: tau rs = Crs . Rrs, where Rrs is the flow resistance of the passive respiratory system. From the measured values of tau rs and Crs, Rrs was computed. With this information it was also possible to quantitate the antagonistic pressure developed by the inspiratory muscles during spontaneous expiration.