Acute response of pulmonary blood flow and right ventricular function to Dirofilaria immitis adults and microfilaria
Rawlings, C.A.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 41(2): 244-249
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 7369595 Document Number: 165807
Pulmonary arterial pressures, right ventricular pressures, and right ventricular force of contraction were measured before and after surgical insertion of Dirofilaria immitis adults and microfilariae. Six adult, anaesthetized and heparinized, dogs were studied during thoracotomy to compare these pressure measurements with left caudal pulmonary arterial flow. Diversion of pulmonary flow was performed to obtain incremental increases in pulmonary flow through the left caudal lobar artery and to increase right ventricular afterload. The nematodes or their microfilariae did not produce pulmonary arterial hypertension, nor did they increase right ventricular pressure and force of contraction.