Pressure outside the extrapulmonary airway in dogs.

Abstract

We have measured the static and dynamic transmural pressures of extrapulmonary airways during positive pressure lung inflation in anesthetized dogs suspended in the standing position. Thin, fluid-filled catheters measured pressures within and on the anterior surface of the airways in the mediastinum and neck. The change from mediastinal to cervical static extra-airway pressures (Pea) was not abrupt but occurred through the thoracic outlet and the root of the neck. The static Pea in the mediastinum was more positive than pleural pressure when lung volume was increased with positive pressures. During forced deflation equal pressure points (EPP) were in labor bronchi from which airway narrowing extended towards the mouth. Under these conditions, the dynamic mediastinal Pea mouthward of the EPP remained close to pleural pressures even at high volumes. This suggested that forces of restitution generated in the surrounding tissues by the narrowing of the airways did have a small effect in reducing the pressure affecting their anterior surface.