Supplemental Video

One video file in Quicktime format.

Files in this Data Supplement:

• Video 1 - Video recordings of subpleural alveoli and lung microvessels in the ventilated mouse. The first 14 s of this 30 s video sequence show the surface of the right upper lung lobe at low maginfication. The lung surface shifts with the respiratory movements, but returns back into the focus plane during successive expiratory plateau phases. At the end of each sequence, the expiratory plateau phase was prolonged to 5 s. Black arrows mark the lower margin of the upper right lung lobe shifting cyclically against the right middle lobe. Lung microvessels are visualized by intravenous infusion of FITC-dextran (150 kDa). In consequence, air-filled spaces appear as dark structures separated by the brighter interalveolar septae. A pulmonary arteriole (~ 50 µm in diameter; white arrow) with its terminal branches and a small pulmonary venule (open arrow) can be identified based on their divergent versus convergent flow patterns, respectively. At the end of this sequence, a shaded rectangle outlines the area shown in the subsequent image sequence at higher magnification. In the center of the microscopic field is now the above mentioned pulmonary arteriole with characteristic pulsatile flow. In addition, capillary networks spanning the surface of the surrounding alveoli are visible.