Factors Influencing the Regional Deposition of Inhaled Particles in Man

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Abstract
Although ventilation in normal human lungs decreased from apex to base, comparable observations were lacking in regard to particle deposition. Regional ventilation and particle deposition was compared in normal subjects by using radioactive Xe and a radioactive aerosol while sitting, lying and breathing at an increased rate. Smokers and nonsmokers were studied. Particle deposition and ventilation were closely related, and the greater the ventilation, the greater the deposition of particles, a situation which prevailed irrespective of position and breathing rate. While supine, the apex to base gradient for ventilation and particle deposition decreased but did not entirely disappear. At higher respiratory rates, central deposition of particles, especially in smokers, increased. There were regional differences in the deposition of particles and such differences were closely related to regional ventilation.