Gravity-dependent ventilation distribution in rats measured with electrical impedance tomography

摘要: Ventilation in larger animals and humans is gravity dependent mainly distributed to the lung. Little known of effect on ventilation distribution small such as rodents. The aim this study was investigate gravity-dependent regional filling characteristics rats. lung were measured six rats using electrical impedance tomography (EIT). Measurements performed four body positions (supine, prone, left right lateral), all ventilated with increasing tidal volumes from 3 8 mL kg−1. assessed profiles relative change calculation geometric centre. Regional by calculating slope plot versus global a breath-by-breath basis. significantly non-dependent regardless position volume used. centre located but prone position. followed an anatomical pattern posterior generally faster. Gravity had little impact filling. dependent, whereas are anatomy.