Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Quantitative Mapping of Specific Ventilation in the Human Lung using Proton Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Oxygen as a Contrast Agent
Published on: June 5, 2019
Influence of bronchomotor tone on regional ventilation distribution at residual volume
Abstract:
We studied the topographical distribution of 133Xe boluses inhaled slowly from RV, as well as the distribution of regional volumes at RV (RVr) in seven seated normal subjects before and after aerosolized isoprenaline (ISO) and after aerosolized methacholine hydrochloride (Mech). After Mech the ratio of inhaled 133Xe in the upper lung regions to that in lower lung regions (U/L) decreased from 3.21 +/- .33 (mean +/- 1 SE) to 1.27 +/- 0.12 (P less than 0.001) and returned to 3.89 +/- 0.55 after Iso. Iso alone increased U/L from 3.23 +/- 0.47 to 5.49 +/- 0.85 (P less than 0.025). The height of phase IV in expired 133Xe vs. volume plots correlated with U/L, being greater after Iso and smaller after Mech in each subject. The difference in RVr between upper and lower lung regions decreased after Mech in four out of five subjects from 0.22 TLC to 0.11 TLC. Iso alone did not change the gradient of RVr. The results are consistent with the concept that increased bronchomotor tone widens the range of critical opening and closing pressures with a more patchy and extensive distribution of airway closure.
Related Concept Videos
Respiratory Volumes
Tidal Volume (TV) Tidal volume (TV) is the air inhaled or exhaled in a...
Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs during...
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...

