Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
07:13
Phenotyping Mouse Pulmonary Function In Vivo with the Lung Diffusing Capacity
Published on: January 6, 2015
Structural changes underlying compensatory increase of diffusing capacity after left pneumonectomy in adult dogs
C C Hsia1, F Fryder-Doffey, V Stalder-Nayarro
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9034.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Following lung removal, the remaining lung compensates for gas exchange through structural changes like hyperinflation and thinner barriers, not significant growth. Physiologic reserves are key to this compensation.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Physiology
- Respiratory System Adaptations
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Pneumonectomy, the surgical removal of a lung, necessitates functional compensation by the remaining lung to maintain adequate gas exchange.
- Understanding the structural and physiological adaptations post-pneumonectomy is crucial for predicting respiratory function.
- Previous studies have indicated functional compensation but the underlying structural basis remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether functional compensation in diffusing capacity after pneumonectomy is attributed to structural growth of the remaining lung.
- To correlate morphometric analysis with physiological estimates of gas exchange efficiency post-pneumonectomy.
Main Methods:
- Morphometric analysis of the right lung in adult foxhounds 2 years after left pneumonectomy (42% lung removal).
- Calculation of diffusing capacity using an established morphometric model.
- Comparison of morphometric diffusing capacity estimates with physiological estimates at peak exercise in the same dogs.
Main Results:
- Significant structural changes observed: right lung hyperinflation, alveolar enlargement, and thinning of the alveolar-capillary tissue barrier.
- These structural modifications contribute to functional compensation by reducing oxygen diffusion resistance.
- Morphometric and physiological estimates of diffusing capacity showed similar magnitudes of compensation.
- Morphometric estimates were, on average, 23% higher than physiological estimates at peak exercise.
Conclusions:
- Functional compensation in diffusing capacity after pneumonectomy is achieved through structural adaptations, not significant structural growth.
- The observed differences between morphometric and physiological estimates suggest substantial physiological reserves available for recruitment.
- These findings highlight the lung's remarkable ability to adapt and maintain gas exchange following major surgical resection.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:08Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...
01:10Atelectasis II: Pathophysiology
Atelectasis develops when alveoli lose their air and collapse inward. Because lung tissue is naturally elastic, these air sacs shrink rather than remaining open. Collapsed alveoli are no longer ventilated, reducing their role in gas exchange. Blood flow may continue in these regions, creating a ventilation–perfusion mismatch. Clinical findings include decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, reduced chest expansion, and decreased tactile fremitus as sound transmission through collapsed...
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...