Pulmonary Mechanics in Normal Men, Studied with the Flow Regulator Method

Abstract

The flow regulator method that allows studies of pulmonary resistance (Rl), pulmonary elastic recoil pressure (Pst(1)), and thoracic gas volume (TGV), at a regulated flow pattern was applied in 12 normal men, aged 36–53. The increase of Rl with increasing flow rate could be described by Rohrer's formula. When related to Pst(1), Rl increased during an expiration, first slowly but at the end very rapidly. This pattern was discussed in terms of bronchial stress-strain behaviour. Elastic properties of lungs were studied in Pst(1)/TGV diagrams.

Key Words:

• Breathing
• bronchial properties
• effects of smoking
• pulmonary elastic properties
• pulmonary resistance