Influence of altered state of bodily hydration on the alveolar stability of lungs of rats at simulated high altitude
Srivastava, R.K.; Sharma, S.K.; Sachan, A.S.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 16(11): 1204-1206
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5189 PMID: 750410 Document Number: 132624
In hydrated rats there was a greater loss of pulmonary surfactant, evidenced by altered alveolar stability, trapping of greater quantum of air at the end of the deflation process and reduced Vmax/100 g both at ground level and at high altitude. In hypohydrated rats the effects of high altitude were reversed except that quantum of trapped air at the end of deflation remained high compared to normal rats at ground level. The mechanism of alveolar clearance of surface active material through mucociliary transport system was apparently accelerated in hydrated rats. Hypohydration reduced the rate of alveolar clearance. The higher quantum of trapped air in hypohydrated rats may be due to influence of mild degree of starvation attending water deprivation.