Total System Resistance Research Articles

A Resistance Based Biosensor That Utilizes Conductive Microfibers for Microbial Pathogen Detection

Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) is one of the top pathogens of interest for the development of rapid diagnostic systems for food and water samples. The objective of this research is to develop a rapid, novel electrochemical biosensor based on the use of polypropylene microfiber membranes coated with a conductive polypyrrole and antibody functionalized for the biological capture and detection of E. coli O157:H7 inthe field. Using glutaraldehyde, pathogen specific antibodies are covalently attached to conductive microfiber membranes which are then blocked using a 5% bovine serum albumin solution. The functionalized membranes are then exposed to E. coli O157:H7 cells washed in Butterfield’s phosphate buffer and added to a phosphate-buffer electrolyte solution. When a voltage is applied to the system, the presence of the captured pathogen on the fiber surface results in an increase in resistance at the electrotextile electrode surface, indicating a positive result. In this study, the initial resistance of the membrane in the electrochemical system was established and found to range between 5.8 and 13 . The resistance of the system not associated with the electrotextile fibers was calculated to contribute to only 2.8% of the total system resistance, and found not to be significant. A proof of concept experiment was conducted and determined that the electrotextile electrode was able to differentiate between small changes in a solution’s conductivity associated with the presence of E. coli O157:H7 cells over a concentration range of log 0 - 9 CFU/mL.

The effect of high frequency ultrasound on diffusion boundary layer resistance in ion-exchange membrane transport

Boundary layer diffusion resistance in ion-exchange membrane increases the total system resistance and reduces the power output from electro dialysis process. In this research, the influence of ultrasound wave on diffusion boundary layer and electrochemical membrane properties for a cationic and an anionic exchange membrane is investigated. High frequency (1.7 MHz) piezoelectric transducers were used to induce ultrasound waves in the medium. Mixing was accomplished using a magnetic stirrer, ultrasonic and a combination of ultrasound and magnetic stirrer. The results showed that the membrane potential, transport number and selectivity were decreased with increase in electrolyte concentration in the anionic membrane. In cationic membrane, all mentioned properties were initially increased and then decreased with increase in the solution concentration. The SEM characterization of the membranes indicated that the cationic membrane has a smoother surface that led to its higher selectivity and membrane resistance compared with those of the anionic membrane. Moreover, In order to explain the observed experimental results, the CFD modeling technique has been used to illustrate flow pattern and acoustic streams propagation in the cell and shows when only the ultrasound transducer activated the established velocity near the membrane surface is twice that of stirrer activated case.

Transient behaviour of a parallel pump in nuclear research reactors

A theoretical analysis of the fast transients of a parallel pump, based on inertia of the rotating parts and inertia of the fluid, is proposed. It leads to total torque, total head, and total system resistance during transient periods. The equations indicate that an increase in coolant inertia increases the acceleration head. While an increase in the moment of inertia of rotating parts decreases the acceleration head. The model is used to analyze the behaviour of the Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) primary coolant loop parallel pump during a fast startup. The results of present model are compared with similar studies and good agreement is observed.

Lung function changes following methacholine inhalation in COPD

The non-specific bronchial hyper-responsiveness reported in mild to moderate COPD is usually attributed to reduced airway calibre accentuating the effect of airway smooth muscle shortening. We hypothesized that in more severe COPD the fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) seen during methacholine challenge would result from an increase in residual volume and decrease in vital capacity rather than an increase in airways resistance. Twenty-five subjects with moderate to severe COPD and 10 asthmatic subjects had spirometry and oscillatory mechanics measured before methacholine challenge and at a 20% fall from baseline post challenge (PC(20)FEV(1)). In the COPD subjects median PC(20) was 0.35mg/mL. Comparing baseline to PC(20) there were significant falls in forced vital capacity (FVC) (2.91 vs. 2.2L; p<0.001), slow vital capacity (3.22 vs. 2.58L; p<0.001) and IC (2.21 vs. 1.75L; p<0.001) without change in FEV(1)/FVC ratio (0.52 vs. 0.52; not significant) or in total lung capacity where this was measured. Total respiratory system resistance (R(5)) was unchanged (0.66 vs. 0.68; not significant) but total respiratory system reactance decreased significantly (-0.33 vs. -0.44; p<0.001). In contrast, the asthmatics became more obstructed and showed a proportionally smaller fall in lung volume with increase in R(5) (0.43 vs. 0.64; p<0.01). In moderate to severe COPD the fall in FEV(1) with methacholine is mainly due to increases in residual volume, which may represent airway closure and new-onset expiratory flow limitation.

Thoracic percussion yields reversible mechanical changes in healthy subjects

In order to characterize the mechanical effects of thoracic percussion per se in lung parenchyma, we analyzed respiratory impedance parameters by impulse oscillometry (12 healthy subjects) and lung mechanics by the least square method (6 healthy subjects) before (PRE-TP) and after (POS-TP) thoracic percussion, and after a deep-breath-maneuver (POS-DB). Pulmonary resistance was similar among PRE-TP, POS-TP and POS-DB while pulmonary dynamic compliance showed a significant reduction after TP (mean +/- SEM: from 0.15 +/- 0.018 L/cmH(2)O to 0.12 +/- 0.016 L/cmH(2)O; P = 0.001), returning to basal values (mean +/- SEM: 0.15 +/- 0.021; P = 0.004) after DB. Reactance parameters (AX and f (0)) evaluated by oscillometry increased significantly after TP, returning to previous values after DB. Total impedance (Z5) and respiratory system resistance at 5 Hz (R5) did not differ significantly among experimental conditions. Our data strongly suggest that thoracic percussion can promote changes in respiratory mechanics compatible with lung collapse and/or pneumoconstriction, which are, however, reversible by deep inspirations.

Effects of Nanoparticles on Lung Physiology in the Presence or Absence of Antigen

Ambient particulate matter (PM) exacerbates allergic airway diseases. Our previous study showed that diesel exhaust particles, the main constituents in urban PM, enhance airway hyperresponsivness in mice. In addition, health effects of PM with a diameter of less than 100 nm, called nanoparticles, have been reported, and we have also demonstrated that carbon nanoparticles exacerbate antigen-related airway inflammation. The present study investigates the effects of pulmonary exposure to two sizes of carbon nanoparticles on lung physiology and lung expression of Muc5ac in the presence or absence of antigen in mice. Nanoparticles alone or ovalbumin (OVA) alone moderately enhanced cholinergic airway reactivity, as assessed by total respiratory system resistance (R) and Newtonian resistance (Rn). In the nanoparticle + OVA groups, all the parameters for lung responsiveness, such as R, compliance, elastance, Rn, tissue damping, and tissue elastance, were worse than those in the vehicle group, the corresponding nanoparticle groups or the OVA group. The lung mRNA level for Muc5ac was significantly higher in the OVA group than in the vehicle group, and further increased in the nanoparticle + OVA groups than in the OVA or the nanoparticle groups. These data suggest that carbon nanoparticles can enhance lung hyperresponsiveness, especially in the presence of antigen. The effects may be mediated, at least partly, through the enhanced lung expression of Muc5ac.

Biologically variable ventilation improves gas exchange and respiratory mechanics in a model of severe bronchospasm*

Mechanical ventilation can be lifesaving for status asthmaticus, but how best to accomplish mechanical ventilation is unclear. Biologically variable ventilation (mechanical ventilation that emulates healthy variation) and conventional control mode ventilation (monotonously regular) were compared in an animal model of bronchospasm to determine which approach yields better gas exchange and respiratory mechanics. A randomized prospective trial of biologically variable ventilation vs. control mode ventilation in swine. University research laboratory. Eighteen farm-raised pigs. Methacholine was administered as a nebulized aerosol to initiate bronchospasm, defined as doubling of peak inspiratory pressure and respiratory system resistance, and then randomized (n = 9 each group) to either continue control mode ventilation or switch to biologically variable ventilation at the same minute ventilation. Over the next 4 hrs, hemodynamics, blood gases, respiratory mechanics, and carbon dioxide expirograms were recorded hourly. At end-experiment, tracheobronchial lavage was undertaken to determine interleukin-6 and -10 concentrations. Measurements of physiologic variables and inflammatory cytokines showed that biologically variable ventilation significantly improved gas exchange, with greater arterial oxygen tensions (p = .006; group x time interaction), lower arterial carbon dioxide tensions (p = .0003; group effect), lower peak inspiratory pressures (p = .0001; group x time), greater static compliance (p = .0001; group x time), greater dynamic compliance (p = .0001; group x time), and lower total respiratory system resistance (p = .028; group x time), compared with conventional ventilation. The appearance of inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (interleukin-6 and -10) was not affected by mode of ventilation. In this experimental model, biologically variable ventilation was superior to control mode ventilation in terms of gas exchange and respiratory mechanics during severe bronchospasm.

Effects of naphthoquinone on airway responsiveness in the presence or absence of antigen in mice

We have recently demonstrated that naphthoquinone (NQ), one of extractable chemical compounds of diesel exhaust particles (DEP), enhances antigen-related airway inflammation with goblet cell hyperplasia in mice (Inoue et al. in Eur Respir J 209(2):259-267, 2007). Further, NQ has enhanced lung expressions of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5. However, the effects of NQ on other cardinal features of asthma have not been completely investigated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of NQ on airway responsiveness on the model. Vehicle, NQ, ovalbumin (OVA), or NQ + OVA was administered intratarcheally to ICR mice for 6 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last instillation, lung histology, lung functions such as total respiratory system resistance (R) and Newtonian resistance (R (n)), and protein level of IL-13 and mRNA level for MUC5AC in the lung were examined. Repetitive exposure to NQ aggravated antigen-related lung inflammation. NQ alone enhanced R and R (n) as compared to vehicle without statistical significance. OVA alone or NQ plus OVA showed increases in R and R (n), which was prominent in NQ plus OVA (P < 0.05 vs. vehicle). Combined exposure to NQ and OVA elevated the levels of IL-13 and MUC5AC in the lung as compared with exposure to NQ or OVA alone. These results indicate that NQ can enhance airway hyperresponsiveness in the presence or absence of an antigen. Also, amplified lung expressions of IL-13 and MUC5AC might partly contribute to the deterioration of asthma features by NQ.

Effects of Components Derived from Diesel Exhaust Particles on Lung Physiology Related to Antigen

Our previous study has shown that diesel exhaust particles (DEP), main constituents in ambient particulate matters (PM), enhance airway hyperresponsivness in a murine model of allergic asthma (Takano et al., 1998). However, it remains unknown which components in DEP are responsible for the enhancement. The present study investigated the effects of repeated pulmonary exposure to DEP components (extracted organic chemicals in DEP; DEP-OC, carbonaceous nuclei of DEP after extraction; washed DEP) on lung physiology in the presence or absence of antigen. ICR mice were divided into six experimental groups. Vehicle, DEP components, ovalbumin (OVA), or DEP components plus OVA was administered intratrachally for 6 weeks. Twenty-four hr after the last instillation, cholinergic lung reactivity was examined. DEP components alone did not induce any facilitation of lung function as compared to vehicle alone. The values of total respiratory system resistance (R), elastance (E), Newtonian resistance (Rn), tissue damping (G), and tissue elastance (H) were higher and the value of compliance (C) was lower in the OVA or the DEP component + OVA groups than in the vehicle group. In particular, the hyperreactivity was most prominent in the washed DEP + OVA group. The values in the DEP-OC + OVA group were not significantly different from those in the OVA group. These data suggest that carboneous component in DEP, rather than organic chemical one, can be attributable to the enhancement of lung hyperresponsiveness in allergic asthma.

Non-invasive measurement of total respiratory compliance and resistance in cats

We adapted non-invasive techniques developed for human infants to measure total respiratory system compliance (Crs) and resistance (Rrs) in 21 healthy cats. The animals breathed through a face mask attached to a respiratory circuit and measurements were taken of changes in lung volume and airway pressure during brief occlusions of the airway at different lung volumes. The slope of the plot of change in volume against airway pressure yielded the multiple occlusion Crs with a mean (+/-95%CI) value of 6.8 (6.3-7.3) ml/cm H2O. In 12 animals measurements were made by the single breath technique in which occlusion was made early in expiration and on release, a plot of the subsequent relaxed expiratory flow and volume yielded the time constant (taurs), Crs and Rrs with mean (+/-95%CI) values of 0.27 (0.22-0.31) s, 7.0 (6.1-7.8) ml/cm H2O, and 38.7 (33.7-43.6) cm H2O/l/s, respectively. Rrs was significantly correlated inversely with forced expiratory flow at resting lung volume (V'maxFRC).

Changes in respiratory mechanics with increasing degrees of airway obstruction in COPD: Detection by forced oscillation technique

The Forced Oscillation Technique (FOT) is a method for non-invasively assessing respiratory mechanics during spontaneous breathing, demanding little cooperation. The aim of this study was to test the ability of FOT to describe the changes in respiratory mechanics in progressive COPD. The study was performed in a control group formed by 21 healthy subjects and 79 outpatients with COPD, which were classified by spirometry, according to the degree of airway obstruction, in mild, moderate and severe groups. Resistive impedance data were submitted to linear regression analysis over the 4-16 Hz frequency range, which yielded the total respiratory system resistance extrapolated at 0 Hz (R0), the respiratory system conductance (Grs), mean respiratory resistance (Rm), and the resistance/frequency slope (S). Reactance data were interpreted using the mean values (Xm) over the 4-32 Hz frequency range, the dynamic compliance (Crs,dyn), the dynamic elastance (E(rs,dyn)), and the resonant frequency (fr) data. Considering the control and mild groups, the increase of airway obstruction resulted in a significant increase of R0 (P<0.008), Rm (P<0.001), and a significant reduction in Grs (P<0.002). Reactive parameters, Crs, dyn and Ers,dyn also presented significant modifications. The subsequent increase (mild to moderate) showed a significant raise of R(0) (P<0.007), S (P<0.001), and a reduction in Grs (P<0.015), while significant increases in Xrs (P<0.001), and Ers,dyn (P<0.02), and also a reduction in Crs, dyn (P<0.02) were also observed. In contrast to earlier stages, in the late stage of the airway obstruction increase (moderate to severe obstruction), resistive parameters did not present statistically significant modifications, while significant modifications were observed in Xrs (P<0.02), Crs, dyn (P<0.003) and Ers,dyn (P<0.003). The results of this study demonstrated that the FOT is useful for detecting the respiratory mechanics modifications in COPD patients. The initial phases of airway obstruction in COPD can be described mainly by resistive parameters, while in more advanced phases, reactive parameters seem to be more useful. Since the FOT has the advantage of being a simple method, such a technique may give a significant clinical contribution, representing an alternative and/or complement to the evaluation of respiratory mechanics by means of forced expiration.

Assessment of Pulmonary Function in COPD

Pulmonary function testing is used in the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the staging of COPD severity. The current diagnostic criterion for airflow obstruction is a ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV (1)) to forced vital capacity (FVC) < 70%. However this absolute definition can lead to false-negative determinations in younger patients and false-positive determinations in the elderly. Nevertheless, screening spirometry is advocated and becomes feasible in the physician office setting with the availability of compact, relatively affordable apparatus that meets the appropriate technical specifications. Spirometry should be complemented by measurement of lung volumes using body plethysmography in those with evidence of airflow obstruction. Small airways disease can be detected by various techniques that measure airway and total respiratory system resistance. There is renewed interest in the forced oscillation technique and impulse oscillometry because of their noninvasiveness and potential ability to distinguish small from larger airway disease. Finally, pulmonary function testing has an important role in preoperative risk assessment; for example, in patients being considered for lung volume reduction surgery or resection of a lung nodule.

Tracking of airway and tissue mechanics during TLC maneuvers in mice.

A tracking impedance estimation technique was developed to follow the changes in total respiratory impedance (Zrs) during slow total lung capacity maneuvers in six anesthetized and mechanically ventilated BALB/c mice. Zrs was measured with the wave-tube technique and pseudorandom forced oscillations at nine frequencies between 4 and 38 Hz during inflation from a transrespiratory pressure of 0-20 cmH2O and subsequent deflation, each lasting for approximately 20 s. Zrs was averaged for 0.125 s and fitted by a model featuring airway resistance (Raw) and inertance, and tissue damping and elastance (H). Lower airway conductance (Glaw) was linearly related to volume above functional residual capacity (V) between 0 and 75-95% maximum V, with a mean slope of dGlaw/dV = 13.6 +/- 4.6 cmH2O-1. s-1. The interdependence of Raw and H was characterized by two distinct and closely linear relationships for the low- and high-volume regions, separated at approximately 40% maximum V. Comparison of Raw with the highest-frequency resistance of the total respiratory system revealed a marked volume-dependent contribution of tissue resistance to total respiratory system resistance, resulting in the overestimation of Raw by 19 +/- 8 and 163 +/- 40% at functional residual capacity and total lung capacity, respectively, whereas the lowest frequency reactance was proportional to H; these findings indicate that single-frequency resistance values may become inappropriate as surrogates of Raw when tissue impedance is changing.

Tracking variations in airway caliber by using total respiratory vs. airway resistance in healthy and asthmatic subjects.

An index of airway caliber can be tracked in near-real time by measuring airway resistance (Raw) as indicated by lung resistance at 8 Hz. These measurements require the placing of an esophageal balloon. The objective of this study was to establish whether total respiratory system resistance (Rrs) could be used rather than Raw to track airway caliber, thereby not requiring an esophageal balloon. Rrs includes the resistance of the chest wall (Rcw). We used a recursive least squares approach to track Raw and Rrs at 8 Hz in seven healthy and seven asthmatic subjects during tidal breathing and a deep inspiration (DI). In both subject groups, Rrs was significantly higher than Raw during tidal breathing at baseline and postchallenge. However, at total lung capacity, Raw and Rrs became equivalent. Measured with this approach, Rcw appears volume dependent, having a magnitude of 0.5-1.0 cmH2O. l-1. s during tidal breathing and decreasing to zero at total lung capacity. When resistances are converted to an effective diameter, Rrs data overestimate the increase in diameter during a DI. Simulation studies suggest that the decrease in apparent Rcw during a DI is a consequence of airway opening flow underestimating chest wall flow at increased lung volume. We conclude that the volume dependence of Rcw can bias the presumed net change in airway caliber during tidal breathing and a DI but would not distort assessment of maximum airway dilation.

Effects of EDTA- and Sulfite-containing Formulations of Propofol on Respiratory System Resistance after Tracheal Intubation in Smokers

The formulation of sulfite-containing propofol (SCP) has not been thoroughly investigated in patients with the extensive smoking history for the effects on the total respiratory system resistance after tracheal intubation. However adverse effects, including acute asthma and bronchospasm, have been reported with several other parenteral formulations of drugs containing sulfite as preservative. Therefore, the aim of this prospective randomized and double blind study was to investigate the effects of EDTA-containing propofol (ECP) and SCP on total respiratory system resistance (Rrs) in patients with the prolonged smoking history and undergoing propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia with tracheal intubation. 40 patients scheduled for general anesthesia were enrolled into the study. Anesthesia was induced with either 2 mg/kg ECP, or 2 mg/kg SCP followed by vecuronium (0.1 mg/kg) to ensure complete neuromuscular relaxation for the time of the study. Maintenance anesthesia was continued with propofol infusion at 0.15 mg/kg/min for the first 15 min after intubation. Total respiratory system resistance (Rrs), was measured continuously for 10 min postintubation. The analysis of repeated Rrs measurements taken every minute for 10 min postintubation revealed trend consisting of higher Rrs in the SCP group when compared to the ECP group. The statistical analysis of the data performed using repeated measures analysis of covariance demonstrated statistically significant effect (P < 0.05) of the treatment group factor (SCP vs. ECP) and the time factor (time after intubation) on the postintubation Rrs. The total respiratory system resistance measured repeatedly for 10 min after tracheal intubation in patients with smoking history is significantly elevated after induction with SCP than after induction with ECP. The preservative used for propofol formulation may alter the effects of propofol on the total respiratory system resistance in smokers.

Effects of aerosolized albuterol on physiologic responses to exercise in standardbreds.

To examine the effects of an aerosolized beta2-adrenoreceptor agonist, albuterol, on performance during a standardized incremental exercise test in clinically normal horses. 8 Standardbred pacing mares. Clinically normal horses, as judged by use of physical examination, hematologic findings, serum biochemical analysis, and airway endoscopy, were randomly assigned to 2 groups and were given 900 microg of albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler 30 minutes before beginning a standardized incremental exercise test in a crossover design with a 7-day minimum washout. Further examination included measurement of baseline lung mechanics, response to histamine bronchoprovocation, and bronchoalveolar lavage. No significant differences (albuterol vs placebo) were seen for any incremental exercise test variables (ie, maximum oxygen consumption, maximum carbon dioxide consumption, respiratory quotient, treadmill speed at heart rate of 200 beats/min, or number of steps completed during an incremental exercise protocol). Mast cell percentage was significantly (r = -0.84) associated with the concentration of aerosolized histamine that evoked a 100% increase in total respiratory system resistance. No other direct correlations between bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cell types and any indices of exercise capacity or airway reactivity were found. Although no horse had exercise intolerance, 4 horses had airway hyperreactivity with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid mastocytosis; these horses may have been subclinically affected with inflammatory airway disease. In our study, albuterol did not enhance performance in 8 clinically normal racing-fit Standardbreds.

Effects of Fenoterol and Ipratropium on Respiratory Resistance of Asthmatics After Tracheal Intubation

We have studied the effects of a beta-agonist, fenoterol, and a cholinergic antagonist, ipratropium, on post-intubation total respiratory system resistance (Rrs) in asthmatics who developed increased Rrs after tracheal intubation. Sixteen stable asthmatics in whom Rrs increased after intubation were allocated randomly to receive either 10 puffs of fenoterol (group F) or 10 puffs of ipratropium (group IB) via a metered dose inhaler 5 min after intubation. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol i.v. Rrs was recorded before treatment and again 5, 15 and 30 min after treatment. Rrs decreased significantly from pretreatment values by mean 53 (SD 8)%, 53 (7)% and 58 (6)% at 5, 15 and 30 min, respectively, in group F, but declined by only 12 (6)%, 15 (4)% and 17 (5)% in group IB. At all times after treatment, patients in the fenoterol group had significantly lower Rrs values than those in the ipratropium group. We conclude that increased Rrs after tracheal intubation in asthmatics can be reduced effectively by treatment with fenoterol. A secondary finding of our study was that even after induction of anaesthesia with propofol, patients with a history of asthma may develop high Rrs.

Effects of fenoterol and ipratropium on respiratory resistance of asthmatics after tracheal intubation

We have studied the effects of a beta-agonist, fenoterol, and a cholinergic antagonist, ipratropium, on post-intubation total respiratory system resistance (Rrs) in asthmatics who developed increased Rrs after tracheal intubation. Sixteen stable asthmatics in whom Rrs increased after intubation were allocated randomly to receive either 10 puffs of fenoterol (group F) or 10 puffs of ipratropium (group IB) via a metered dose inhaler 5 min after intubation. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol i.v. Rrs was recorded before treatment and again 5, 15 and 30 min after treatment. Rrs decreased significantly from pretreatment values by mean 53 (SD 8)%, 53 (7)% and 58 (6)% at 5, 15 and 30 min, respectively, in group F, but declined by only 12 (6)%, 15 (4)% and 17 (5)% in group IB. At all times after treatment, patients in the fenoterol group had significantly lower Rrs values than those in the ipratropium group. We conclude that increased Rrs after tracheal intubation in asthmatics can be reduced effectively by treatment with fenoterol. A secondary finding of our study was that even after induction of anaesthesia with propofol, patients with a history of asthma may develop high Rrs.

Residual oil fly ash amplifies allergic cytokines, airway responsiveness, and inflammation in mice.

Particulate matter (PM) air pollution may increase symptom severity in allergic asthmatics. To examine possible interaction, or greater than additive responses, between PM effects and allergic responses, an ovalbumin-sensitized and challenged (OVA) mouse model of allergic airways disease was utilized. After challenge, mice were intratracheally instilled with saline vehicle or 3 mg/kg (approximately 60 microg) residual oil fly ash (ROFA), a transition metal-rich emission source PM sample. Physiological and inflammatory responses were examined 1, 3, 8, and 15 d later. In response to intravenously administered methacholine, ROFA increased total respiratory system resistance and decreased compliance 1 d after exposure, whereas effects of OVA lasted at least 15 d after exposure. Significant interactions between OVA and ROFA were mainly observed 8 d after challenge and exposure, especially with respect to compliance. A strong interaction (p < 0.01) between OVA and ROFA exposure resulted in 8-fold (1 d) and 3-fold (3 d) increases in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid eosinophil numbers. A similarly strong interaction (8-fold) was observed in BAL fluid interleukin-4 (IL-4) 1 d after challenge and exposure. Significant though less strong interactions were also found with respect to IL-4 and IL-5 by 3 d postchallenge/exposure. This study shows that allergen challenge and exposure to emission source particulate matter containing relatively high levels of transitions metals can interact to increase Th2 cytokine production, eosinophil recruitment, and airway hyperresponsiveness in previously sensitized mice.

Airway and tissue resistance in wheezy infants: effects of albuterol.

We partitioned total respiratory system resistance into airway (Raw) and tissue (Rti) resistance in 16 sedated infants (age 15 to 88 wk) with a history of wheezing disorders before and after inhalation of albuterol. Using systems identification methods, airway (Raw-z) and tissue resistance (Rti-z) were extracted from measurements of respiratory system transfer impedance (Ztr[omega]) over a wide frequency range (typically, 4 < f < 140 Hz). Baseline Raw-z (80.6 +/- 31.5 cm H(2)O/L/s) was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced after albuterol inhalation (60.6 +/- 22.2 cm H(2)O/L/s) but pre- and postalbuterol Rti-z were not significantly different (2.3 +/- 1.7 and 2.7 +/- 2.4 cm H(2)O/L/s, respectively). Raw-z was compared with airway resistance measured with whole-body plethysmography (Raw-p) in 10 of the 16 infants. Raw-z and Raw-p were significantly different in baseline as well as postalbuterol conditions (86.4 +/- 36.9 versus 19.0 +/- 7.0, and 60.6 +/- 22.0 versus 22.5 +/- 14.7, respectively) and they were not correlated. There was no significant difference between Raw-p under baseline and postalbuterol conditions. We conclude that airway resistance estimated from Ztr measurements comprises the major portion of total resistance (approximately 97%) in infants with wheezing disorders in baseline as well as post-beta agonist inhalation, and it is significantly reduced by albuterol inhalation.