Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 39, Issue 3 429-433, Copyright © 1975 by American Physiological Society
Effect of increased static lung recoil on bronchial dimesions of excised lungs
R. E. Hyatt, J. R. Rodarte and T. A. Wilson
We measured bronchial diameters and lengths during static deflation and
inflation in eight excised dog lobes before and after static lung recoil
(Pst(L)) had been significantly increased by cooling the lobe for 48 h at 4
degrees C and ventilating it for 3 h. In control lobes, bronchial diameters
were the same at any volume even though Pst(L) was different during
inflation and deflation. These results agree with those of Hughes et al.
(J. Appl. Physiol. 32: 25-35, 1972). However, when Pst(L) was increased,
diameters at a given volume were significantly increased over control
values; diameters at a given pressure were nearly the same as the controls.
Therefore, under these conditions, bronchial diameter did not conform to
lung volume. The ventilation process appeared to alter the circumferential
elastic properties of the bronchi because diameters at all pressures were
slightly larger after ventilation. Bronchial length-volume relationships
were the same in both control and ventilated lobes. Thus, when Pst(L) was
markedly increased, diameter corresponded best to lung recoil and length to
lung volume.
