Abstract
Guinea pigs exposed for one hour to concentrations of 5 to 500 ppm of acetic acid vapor showed an increase in pulmonary flow resistance, a decrease in pulmonary compliance, and an increase in the time constant of the lungs. These changes suggest bronchial constriction as the primary action of this irritant. Concentrations above 100 ppm also caused a decrease in respiration rate and minute volume and an increase in the work of respiration. By-passing the upper airway with a tracheal cannula increased the response. A sodium chloride aerosol delayed the recovery but did not increase the magnitude of the response.
