An interrupter method for measurement of airway resistance in small animals

An interrupter technique for the measurement of airway resistance in spontaneously breathing, unanesthetized small experimental animals is described. The method makes use of an automatic 35-mm camera body to provide the necessary speed for interruption in these rapidly breathing animals and an analog computer to monitor breathing. The system was designed as a screening technique for assessing the irritancy of air pollutants. Initial results using rabbits is presented.