Effects of chlorine gas exposure on lung haemodynamic and respiratory function in intact and isolated perfused rabbit lungs

AIM:To investigate the effect of high concentration of chlorine gas(Cl₂) exposure on lung haemodynamic and respiratory function in intact and isolated perfused rabbit lungs (IPLs). METHODS:8 intact and 10 IPLs were exposed to Cl₂ at high concentration(50×10^-4)for 20 min, as measured group, 8 additional intact and 9 IPLs, which were similarly treated but not exposed to Cl₂, served as controls. The changes of lung weigh of IPL(△W)、pressure of pulmonary artery(Pa)and venous pressure(Pv)、airway pressure and tidal volume(TV) were continuously measured and recorded simultaneously. RESULTS: In IPL group: While the perfusing blood flow was kept constant (133.3 mL/min), and Pv did not change, following the exposure, the Pa increased slightly, then the lung weight were increased significantly and the TV decreased . Hematocrit of perfusate of EIPL and parameters of lung water increased also. In intact group: Pa increased slightly, respiratory rate accelerated immediately, and TV decreased. CONCLUSION:Although mean Pa increased continuously and slightly in both intact and IPL group following the exposure to high concentration of Cl₂, the primary cause of edema was most likely to alter pulmonary capillary permeability. The respiratory rate accelerated and TV decreased due to exposure to Cl₂ enhanced hypoxia of intact rabbits.