Effect of negative intra-alveolar pressure on pulmonary diffusing capacity

Abstract

In one of two subjects studied in detail, using 0.1% carbon monoxide in the test gas and a 10-second breath-holding period, the alveolar capillary blood volume (Vc) was found to increase by nearly 100% when the intra-alveolar pressure was made negative during breath holding. This was accompanied by a reduction in venous pressure in the forearm. In both subjects Vc was increased on exercise. The diffusing capacity of the alveolar capillary membrane (Dm) remained relatively constant in spite of large changes in Vc. The findings suggest that stationary blood is present in some alveolar capillaries at rest. The implications of this finding and a likely mechanism for the increase in Vc with negative pressure are discussed. xsSubmitted on September 14, 1959