PHYSIOLOGIC CHANGES IN LUNGS OF RABBITS CONTINUOUSLY EXPOSED TO NITROGEN DIOXIDE

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Abstract
Studies on respiratory mechanics and gas exchange were measured in adult rabbits continuously exposed to 8 to 12 ppm of nitrogen dioxide for approximately 3 months. The functional residual capacity increased, as did the nonelastic resistance. However, there was no significant change in static lung compliance. Arterial hypoxemia developed without change in the CO2 tension. When these rabbits were removed from the exposure chamber and allowed to breathe room air, the physiologic changes were virtually completely reversed. Pathologic studies in these animals suggest that the obstructive changes are due to bronchiolitis. Destructive changes that persisted during the recovery period resembled emphysema, but were not sufficiently severe to have resulted in significant physiologic abnormality.