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Partitioning of pulmonary function in rabbits during cholinergic stimulation
1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|April 1, 1995
Summary
This study reveals that airway resistance during bronchoconstriction is mainly in peripheral airways. Cholinergic reactivity, a key factor in airway constriction, is also predominantly located in the peripheral lung.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Physiology
- Respiratory Mechanics
Background:
- Whole lung resistance (RL) partitioning is crucial for understanding respiratory diseases.
- Cholinergic stimulation significantly impacts airway resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To partition whole lung resistance (RL) and cholinergic reactivity into central airway, peripheral airway, and alveolar tissue (Rt) resistances.
- To investigate the location of cholinergic reactivity within the respiratory system.
Main Methods:
- Utilized forced oscillation (2 Hz), a retrograde catheter, and an alveolar capsule in rabbits.
- Measured RL and its components under baseline and bronchoconstrictive conditions (acetylcholine challenge, vagal stimulation, airway occlusion).
Main Results:
- Central and peripheral airway resistances comprised ~80% of baseline RL.
- Alveolar tissue resistance (Rt) became negative during bronchoconstriction, indicating heterogeneous airflow.
- Cholinergic reactivity was predominantly localized to the peripheral lung.
Conclusions:
- Heterogeneous airflow develops in peripheral airways during bronchoconstriction.
- Cholinergic reactivity primarily resides in the peripheral lung, likely due to this heterogeneity.