Nebulisation of hypertonic saline causes oedema of the airway wall.
The effect of aerosol challenge with distilled water, and with isotonic and hypertonic saline on the respiratory system of the anaesthetized rabbit was investigated. Nebulisation of hypertonic (3.6%) saline caused an increase in the extravascular lung water without altering the total body weight. Morphometrical investigations revealed an increase of the subepithelial tissue compartment (connective tissue and smooth muscle) of the airway wall. X-ray microanalysis showed higher content of Na, K, and Cl in this compartment already 10 min after nebulisation of hypertonic saline. The formation of oedema was associated with a significant decrease in both compliance and gas exchange.
Högman
M
M
Department of Clinical Physiology, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Almirall
J
J
Mörk
A C
AC
Roomans
G M
GM
Hagelqvist
E
E
Lagerstrand
L
L
Hedenstierna
G
G
D000818:Animals; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000378:metabolism; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D015633:Extravascular Lung Water / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology*; D011817:Rabbits; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics; D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic / Q000633:toxicity*
D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic