Effect of Positive Pressure Ventilation on Surface Tension Properties of Lung Extracts

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Abstract
The effects of prolonged positive pressure ventilation and overinflation on surface tension properties of the lung were studied in 24 dogs. No alteration of surfactant was observed in 6 animals ventilated at normal pressure and volume for periods up to 6 hours on a M5rch respirator or in 2 nonventilated anesthesia controls. In 10 of 13 dogs subjected to overinflation to a degree sufficient to produce a paradoxical pulse there was absence of surfactant after 24 hours and gross atelectasls. In 3 animals studied immediately after overinflation there was normal surface tension activity. Overinflation of the lung results in depletion or alteration in surfactant which is essential to the maintenance of expanded alveoli at end-expiratory pressures. Prolonged positive pressure ventilation at normal pressure and volume does not alter surfactant and did not result in atelectasls in this study.

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