Abstract
Sixteen rabbits were divided into four groups and exposed to 0 (control), 50, 100, and 200 ppm chlorine gas for 30-minute periods. One animal from each group was sacrificed 30 minutes after the termination of exposure, and the rest after 3, 14, and 60 days, respectively. Lung function was determined by capacitance respirometry, a technique for measuring volume-related surface area changes. Volume-pressure relationships (CV-P) and inspiratory-expiratory flow rate ratios (VI:VE) were measured prior to exposure and at each post-exposure time interval. Results show that VI:VE ratios are quantitatively related to the degree of lung impairment due to pulmonary edema, while VV-P changes indicate the severity of anatomical emphysema, distortion of alveolar architecture and loss of elastic properties. These lung anomalies show a relationship to the magnitude of chlorine concentration and length of time allowed for recovery after exposure.