Unequal distribution of pulmonary diffusing capacity in the anesthetized dog

¹ Department of Physiology, University of Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, New York

In anesthetized dogs the alveolar-arterial O₂ pressure difference (AaD) was measured at alveolar O₂ pressures of 45, 75, 106, 146, and 255 mm Hg. The AaD values observed could not be explained by the conventional "shunt factor," "diffusion-limitation factor," or "distribution factor." However, the experimental data could be explained on the basis of the concept of unequal distribution of pulmonary diffusing capacity, D, to perfusion, Q. A procedure for estimation of the pattern of distribution of D to Q from experimental data is described. The results were compatible with the assumption that the lung consisted of a minimum of three functional compartments characterized by different D/Q ratios. A small portion of the perfusion (1.5%) probably behaved like a true shunt (D/Q = 0); 13% of the pulmonary blood flow passed through a compartment that shared in 2% of the total diffusing capacity only, resulting in a relatively small D/Q ratio for this compartment. The presence of this compartment gave rise to the largest part of the AaD at air breathing. The calculated D/Q value for the remaining, major compartment was so high that a measurable AaD due to diffusion limitation in this compartment could occur only at alveolar O₂ pressures lower than 60 mm Hg. The validity of the assumptions and the significance of the results are discussed.