Mechanical properties of excised calf lungs

Five isolated calf lungs were suspended in an airtight box used as a ventilator. Lungs were ventilated from the outside at different levels of transpulmonary pressure (Ptp). The static pressure-volume curve characteristics of the lungs were measured. Static compliance (Cstat) was 1.9 +/- 0.37 litres kPa-1 or 25 +/- 5 per cent of total lung capacity kPa-1. At a Ptp of 0.7 kPa, dynamic compliance (Cdyn) and lung resistance (RL) were 1.1 +/- 0.1 litres kPa-1 and 0.126 +/- 0.02 kPa litres sec-1, respectively. Both an increase and a decrease of this level of Ptp induced an increase of RL and a decrease of Cdyn. The ratio Cdyn/Cstat averaged 57 +/- 0.8 per cent. It was concluded that in excised lungs, Cdyn is lower in the calf than in a number of other species and that pulmonary function values measured in vitro are optimum at values of Ptp close to values recorded in vivo in healthy cattle.     

High frequency jet ventilation in horses: an experimental study

High frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is a recently developed mode of ventilation that delivers small tidal volumes at frequencies greater than 60 cycles per min via an injection catheter to the animal's airway. The construction of a high frequency jet ventilator suitable for use in adult horses is described. The effectiveness of this ventilator in maintaining normal arterial blood-gas tension was evaluated in five healthy adult horses. The horses were anaesthetised with intravenous acetylpromazine, guaifenesin, and thiamylal, positioned in lateral recumbency and baseline measurements were made during spontaneous ventilation. The horses were then paralysed with succinylcholine and ventilated for at least 20 mins with HFJV. Air was delivered from the ventilator to the animal by a polyethylene tube. The tip of this tube remained within and approximately 30 cm from the cuffed end of a standard 30 mm internal diameter large animal orotracheal tube. Frequency of flow interruption was 3 Hz with a constant source pressure of 275 kPa and an inspiratory to expiratory ratio of approximately 1:2.6. Gas delivery to the horse, as estimated with a resonator system was approximately 2 litres/breath. During HFJV, arterial carbon dioxide tension was significantly reduced and arterial oxygen tension significantly increased above measurements made when the horses were spontaneously breathing air.     

Mechanics of breathing in goats

Common pulmonary function tests used in man and domestic mammals were adapted to the goat. Requirements for intrathoracic pressure record and pulmonary function investigation were determined. The elastance of the mid-thoracic portion of the oesophagus was measured in 17 healthy goats. The calculated percentage error in identifying the endoesophageal intrathoracic pressure decreased with somatic growth, and was found to be smaller than 2 per cent for adult goats. The location of the oesophageal balloon catheter used to measure the intrathoracic pressure was standardised. The following regression equation calculated between the length of catheter (Lcat) and the thoracic circumference (TC) was found: Lcat (cm) = 6.19 +/- 0.7163 X TC (cm) (R2 = 0.96). The influence of the dead space of a face mask on respiration pattern and arterial blood gas were studied. There were no significant changes in arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2), pHa, breathing frequency and intrathoracic pressures. The influence of head and neck position was investigated. Upper airway resistance (Ruaw), measured with the head in a normal position did not significantly differ from values obtained with the head in a horizontal position. Ruaw measured with the head in a vertical position was considerably increased. Arterial blood gas tension and pulmonary mechanics were measured to assess the reproducibility of pulmonary function measurements. Variability in blood gas tension, tidal volume and minute volume is small. The variability of peak to peak intrathoracic pressure change (max delta Plp), dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn), total pulmonary resistance (RL) and Rt were relatively large.     

Ventilation-perfusion relationships in the standing horse: an inert gas elimination study

The multiple inert gas elimination technique was adapted for use in the conscious standing horse. The modifications included increased infusion rate of the inert gases (30 ml/min), extended infusion time (60 mins) in order to reach steady state, and construction of a nose mask mixing box system for collection of expired gas. Eight adult horses with a mean weight of 454 kg and a mean age of 6.1 years were studied while standing under resting conditions. Ventilation was 65.2 liters/min and cardiac output measured by thermodilution 40.2 liters/min. Systemic and pulmonary artery mean pressures were 114 and 26 mmHg, respectively. Three horses showed a unimodal VA/Q distribution centred upon a mean VA/Q of one. Five horses had a bimodal distribution with an additional high VA/Q mode comprising 2 to 18 per cent of ventilation. The mean logarithmic standard deviation of perfusion was 0.41. There was no perfusion of 'low' VA/Q regions, but minor shunting on an average of 1 per cent was noted. Inert gas dead space (minus apparatus dead space) averaged 38 per cent of total ventilation. Arterial oxygen tension varied from 11 to 14 kPa and the mean arterial CO2 tension was 5.7 kPa. It is concluded that the standing horse in general has a good match between ventilation and perfusion but that some individuals display high VA/Q regions, possibly explained by poor perfusion of upper lung regions.     

Effect of exercise on the partitioning of equine respiratory resistance

Pleural, tracheal, pharyngeal and mask pressures as well as airflow and tidal volume of five ponies on a treadmill (incline 8.3 degrees) were recorded simultaneously while resting, walking, trotting slowly, trotting fast, after standing for 30 secs and 5 mins after the end of the exercise. The curves obtained were used to calculate total pulmonary resistance (RL), lower airway resistance (RLA) and upper airway resistance (RUA). The latter was also divided into nasal resistance (Rnas) and laryngeal plus extrathoracic tracheal resistance (Retr + lar). Furthermore, the inspiratory and expiratory components of each of these R values were estimated. Levels of RL, RLA and RUA were increased significantly during exercise but, during the recovery period, the values were significantly lower than those pre-exercise. RUA represented 82 per cent of RL at rest and this percentage did not change significantly during and after exercise. The nasal resistance to RUA ratio was always higher than 0.5. The fact that RL increased with exercise intensity was due to the increase of RUA during inspiration, and mainly a result of the increase of RLA during expiration. At fast trot, RLA represented 5 and 50 per cent of RL during inspiration and expiration respectively. It was concluded that heavy exercise induces in ponies an increase of RL, one reason for which could be the partial collapse of the extrathoracic and intrathoracic airways during inspiration and expiration respectively.     

A study of experimental acute lung injury in pigs on zero end-expiratory pressure

OBJECTIVES: Tidal expiratory flow limitation (EFL) has been reported in humans with acute lung injury (ALI) and assumed to be associated with small airway closure. Detection of EFL is important because by selecting positive end-expiratory pressure at such a level that EFL is no longer present in the tidal breath, the repeated opening and closure of small airways can be prevented. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of EFL in two experimental models of ALI. ANIMALS: Ten female piglets. METHODS: Animals were anaesthetized, tracheotomized and mechanically ventilated on zero end-expiratory pressure. Acute lung injury was induced by oleic acid (OA) (n = 5) or saline lavage (SL) (n = 5). Tidal EFL was assessed by the negative expiratory pressure test. Lung and chest wall mechanics were partitioned using an oesophageal balloon. Resistance and static elastance were assessed by a rapid airway occlusion technique at baseline ventilatory settings. RESULTS: There was no EFL at any time before and after ALI in both models. This may be due to an increased elastance which promoted higher expiratory flow after ALI and to a decreased chest wall to lung static elastance ratio which could favour small airways patency. The similar increase in total lung resistance, in the two models, after ALI was mostly due to an increased airway resistance in the OA model and to the lung tissue resistance in the SL model. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tidal EFL was not detected in experimental ALI. This finding casts some doubt about the usefulness of some experimental models of ALI to mimic some reported findings in human ALI.     

Histamine inhalation challenge in normal horses and in horses with small airway disease

A histamine inhalation challenge (HIC) procedure was developed to assess hyperreactive states in horses. Following clinical evaluation, percutaneous lung biopsies were performed on nine light breed mares aged 6 to 15 years. Five horses, with normal small airways, were classified as group A and four subjects with small airway disease (SAD) lesions formed group B. Pulmonary mechanics parameters were monitored following an aerosol of 0.9% saline and every 5 min for up to 30 min after HIC with 0.5% w/v of histamine diphosphate, administered through a face mask for 2.5 min. Tidal volume (VT) and airflow (V) values were obtained with a pneumotachograph. Transpulmonary pressure (delta Ppl) was measured by the esophageal balloon catheter method. Dynamic compliance (Cdyn), total pulmonary resistance (RL), end expiratory work of breathing (EEW) and respiratory rate (f) were calculated by a pulmonary mechanics computer. Group A horses had increases in RL, and decreases in Cdyn whereas horses in group B were hyperreactive and showed greater changes in EEW, Cdyn, and delta Ppl but with a relatively lower variation of RL. One horse in clinical remission from SAD, but with a high biopsy score (group B), and one clinically normal horse belonging to group A showed marked hyperreactivity as shown by increases in EEW, maximum change in delta Ppl and RL and decreases in Cdyn. These results suggest that the HIC described can be used as a method to investigate airway hyperreactivity and SAD in horses.     

Validation of the monofrequency forced oscillation technique for pulmonary function investigation in calves: an in vitro and in vivo study.

This study was to investigate whether the monofrequency forced oscillation (MFO) technique could be accurately used for pulmonary function testing in calves. The airflow resistance measured by this technique was compared to the resistance measured by the classical reference method by an in vitro study, using an artificial lung model, and by an in vivo study, using 11 healthy calves. The effect of the reference impedance of this oscillation equipment was also investigated. The results show linear relationships (r2 > 0.924, P < 0.001) in the resistance ranges 0 to 0.7 kPa litre-1 s and 0 to 1.0 kPa litre-1 s with a reference impedance of 1.0 kPa litre-1 s and 2.0 kPa litre-1 s, respectively. The MFO resistance values lower and higher than 0.4 kPa litre-1 s are slightly overestimated and underestimated, respectively. It was shown that, if some technical requirements are met, the MFO technique is a simple, reproducible, fast and accurate method which allows measurement of airflow resistance even in field conditions.     

Influence of beta-adrenergic antagonism on the response of bovine neonatal lungs to intravenous histamine

The effects of IV histamine infusion and beta-adrenergic blockade on pulmonary function were studied in neonatal Holstein calves, beta-Adrenergic blockade with IV propranolol increased total pulmonary resistance, but was without effect on lung compliance, lung volumes, and gas exchange. beta-Adrenergic blockade enhanced the histamine-induced increase in total pulmonary resistance and the decrease in dynamic and quasistatic compliance, lung volumes, and arterial oxygen tension. These data indicate that beta-adrenergic receptors may be present in the large and small airways of cattle and they modulate the effects of bronchoconstrictor agents as in other species.     

Airway responses to histamine aerosol in clinically normal foods.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the spectrum of nonspecific airway reactivity in a group of clinically normal foals. ANIMALS: 12 clinically normal mixed-breed foals, 48 to 92 days old, without history of clinical lung disease. PROCEDURE: Nonspecific airway reactivity was determined by measuring the extent of changes in dynamic compliance during nebulization of incrementally increasing concentrations of histamine aerosol. Degree of airway reactivity was expressed as the dose of histamine that evoked a decrease in dynamic compliance (Cdyn) to 65% of the after saline nebulization value (PC65Cdyn) or increase in pulmonary resistance (R(L)) to 135% of baseline (PC135R(L)). RESULTS: In all foals, it was possible to induce a decrease in Cdyn in dose-dependent manner to < or = 65% of baseline. Response of foals in terms of R(L) was more erratic, and, in 1 foal, R(L) decreased after histamine exposure. Mean+/-SD PC65Cdyn was 5.43+/-1.74 (range, 0.77 to 19.56) mg/ml, and mean PC135R(L) was 3.34+/-1.52 (range, -0.749 to 17.35) mg/ml. Body weight was not correlated to baseline Cdyn, R(L), PC65Cdyn, or PC135R(L). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinically normal foals had a wide range of airway reactivity, which may contribute to variation in clinical responses of foals to otherwise similar stimuli, such as infection, inflammation, and challenge exposure with environmental irritants.     

Immunohistochemical localisation of alpha-1-protease inhibitor in the horse

Using a peroxidase anti-peroxidase technique alpha-1-protease inhibitor (alpha-1-PI) was identified in normal equine hepatocytes in formalin-fixed liver sections, and in airway secretions and macrophages in formalin-fixed lung sections of horses with chronic small airway disease and chronic bronchointerstitial pneumonia. In addition, it was identified occasionally in macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage samples from clinically healthy horses and from horses with chronic small airway disease. Equine peripheral blood leucocytes and formalin-fixed lung sections with normal histology were negative for alpha-1-PI.     

Effect of halothane on bronchial calibre of anaesthetised cattle

A computer-aided forced oscillation technique was used to examine the effects of halothane on bronchial calibre in three adult cows after anaesthesia had been induced with xylazine and thiopentone. The administration of halothane failed to produce bronchodilatation, possibly owing to low resting bronchomotor tone in the animals. However, an increase in expiratory reserve volume, associated with a small fall in airway resistance, was observed, suggesting that changes in elastic recoil may make a significant contribution to changes in airway resistance during anaesthesia. The results also emphasise the importance of relating airway resistance to lung volume.     

Upper airway resistance in healthy Friesian cattle

Total pulmonary resistance (RL) and upper airway resistance (Ruaw) were measured in nine healthy unsedated Friesian cattle divided into three age groups. Mean values for these three groups of animals aged four, 188 and 1157 days were 0.32, 0.13 and 0.06 kPa litre-1 s for RL; 0.14, 0.09 and 0.05 kPa litre-1 s for Ruaw; and 0.45, 0.68 and 0.79 for the ratio Ruaw/RL respectively. Ruaw, measured with the head in the normal position, did not significantly differ from values obtained with the head in the horizontal position. Ruaw, measured with the head in the vertical position, was approximately three times greater than when measured in the two other positions.     

Effect of Pasteurella haemolytica-derived endotoxin on pulmonary structure and function in calves

The role of endotoxin in the pathogenesis of acute pneumonic pasteurellosis is uncertain. Recently, we reported that Escherichia coli-derived endotoxin given by airway inoculation fails to induce lung injury in calves. Because Pasteurella haemolytica-derived endotoxin may differ substantially from E coli in its pathogenicity, we repeated these studies with Pasteurella endotoxin. Intratracheal inoculation of P haemolytica endotoxin caused hypoxemia and increased the alveolar-arterial oxygen differences without causing hypercarbia or changes in lung mechanical properties and volumes. In contrast, IV inoculation of endotoxin caused systemic hypotension, leukopenia, gas exchange impairment, increased total pulmonary resistance, and decreased dynamic compliance. Both routes of inoculation increased serum endotoxin concentrations and were associated with areas of pulmonary hemorrhage, edema, and acute inflammation. We concluded that P haemolytica-derived endotoxin is pathogenic by IV and airway routes of inoculation, and therefore differs from E coli endotoxin in its ability to induce lung lesions in calves.     

Use of deep nasopharyngeal swabs as a predictive diagnostic method for natural respiratory infections in calves

An epidural puncture was performed using the lumbosacral approach in 18 dogs, and the lack of resistance to an injection of saline was used to determine that the needle was positioned correctly. The dogs' arterial blood pressure and epidural pressure were recorded. They were randomly assigned to two groups: in one group an injection of a mixture of local anaesthetic agents was made slowly over 90 seconds and in the other it was made over 30 seconds. After 10 minutes contrast radiography was used to confirm the correct placement of the needle. The mean (sd) initial pressure in the epidural space was 0.1 (0.7) kPa. After the injection the mean maximum epidural pressure in the group injected slowly was 5.5 (2.1) kPa and in the group injected more quickly it was 6.0 (1.9) kPa. At the end of the period of measurement, the epidural pressure in the slow group was 0.8 (0.5) kPa and in the rapid group it was 0.7 (0.5) kPa. Waves synchronous with the arterial pulse wave were observed in 15 of the dogs before the epidural injection, and in all the dogs after the epidural injection.     

Nasal 'pressure' receptors

This study was performed to identify, recording from single fibers of the ethmoidal nerve, nasal receptors which respond to changes in the upper airway pressure during nasal occlusion. In 15 anaesthetized rats breathing through the nose, three consecutive nasal occlusions were performed while recording the afferent activity of ethmoidal nerve fibers, the EMG activity of an external intercostal muscle, temperature in the nose and upper airway pressure. Twenty-two afferent fibers were activated during the three inspiratory efforts with occlusions applied at end-expiration, when the upper airway was subjected to negative pressure (-1.93, -2.16 and -2.22 kPa at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd effort, respectively). The number of impulses was 24, 22 and 20 (n = 22) at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd effort, respectively. The pressure threshold were measured as -0.73, -0.87 and -0.96 kPa (n = 22) in each effort. Three fibers were also stimulated by positive pressure during occlusions performed at end-inspiration. In 5 rats breathing through a tracheostomy, maintained negative (-0.1-3.7 kPa) and positive (0.8-3.0 kPa) pressures were applied to the isolated upper airway. All the 12 fibers tested were activated by the maintained negative pressure, whereas three of them were also activated by the maintained positive pressure. However, none of fibers tested were stimulated by tracheal occlusions. These results indicate that the ethmoidal branch of the trigeminal nerve contains fibers connected to nasal 'pressure' receptors, mostly 'negative pressure' receptors, that may play a role in the maintenance of upper airway patency.     

A clinically silent respiratory infection with Chlamydophila spp. in calves is associated with airway obstruction and pulmonary inflammation

This study was aimed at evaluating functional and inflammatory consequences of persistent chlamydial infections on the respiratory system in clinically inconspicuous calves aged 2-7 months. Thirteen calves persistently infected with Chlamydophila (C.) abortus and/or C. pecorum (Chl+) were compared to 12 calves without chlamydial infections (Chl-). In order to evaluate lung function, 36 non-invasive impulse oscillometry tests were performed per animal within 6 months. The group of chronically infected animals was distinguished by significantly higher peripheral airway resistance (indicating peripheral airway obstruction), significantly higher respiratory rates, and significantly higher minute volumes of ventilation. At the age of seven months, all calves were necropsied, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained ex vivo, and lungs were examined histologically. Significantly higher concentrations of total protein and 8-iso-prostane (8-IP), as well as higher activities of matrix metalloprotease 2 were measured in BALF samples of Chl+ calves. Histologically, markedly activated bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) causing partial obstruction of bronchiolar lumina was found in the apical pulmonary lobes of Chl+ calves. Chlamydial DNA was detected in the lung tissue of 7 out of 13 Chl+ calves by real-time PCR. In conclusion, respiratory chlamydial infection appeared to be associated with chronic inflammation of the lungs and airways. Despite the lack of clinical symptoms, pulmonary dysfunctions persisted in calves until the age of seven months. Data obtained in this study provide new insight illustrating the impact of nearly ubiquitous subclinical infections on the respiratory system.     

Respiratory mechanics in Standardbred horses with sub-clinical inflammatory airway disease and poor athletic performance

The aim of this study was to investigate and quantify respiratory mechanical dysfunctions in Standardbred horses with both poor performance and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology characteristic of inflammatory airway disease (IAD). A control group of healthy Standardbred horses was compared. Respiratory mechanics and breathing pattern were examined at rest and during hyperventilation induced using a rebreathing method. At rest, respiratory mechanics and breathing pattern were superimposable in both groups. In IAD horses, rebreathing increased ventilation, with larger tidal volumes and lower respiratory frequencies. During hyperventilation, IAD animals showed frequency-dependent dynamic lung compliance, and had greater viscous lung resistance and rate of dynamic work of breathing. As IAD alters pulmonary mechanics, the ventilatory load increases and horses requiring significantly higher energy for breathing may suffer restrictions in their athletic performance. This rebreathing method permits early evaluation of respiratory mechanical dysfunction in poorly performing horses with sub-clinical IAD.