Respiratory mechanics in rabbits ventilated with different tidal volumes

Respiratory mechanics was studied in 11 rabbits at tidal volumes (VT) of 6.7, 10, and 20 ml/kg. Flow interruptions were performed during the full respiratory cycle. The viscoelastic pressure (Pve) was measured as the dynamic elastic pressure (Pel(dyn)) after flow cessation minus the static elastic pressure (Pel(st)). Static elastic and viscoelastic parameters were determined with numerical technique. Static hysteresis was minimal even at large VT. The Pel(st)-V curve was linear at small VT and in 6 animals at moderate VT. In 5 animals at moderate VT and in all animals at large VT, a linear segment with constant compliance was followed by a segment with decreasing compliance. The Pve-V curve could be described with a linear model only at small VT. A non-linear model was needed at increased VT. Compliance increased with VT. Both static and viscoelastic behaviours were linear up to larger volume ranges at large VT compared to moderate VT.