Abstract #0040

Kubo S, Gee J, Sundaram T, Hatabu H, Takahashi M

Lung tissue compliance, which is derived from the slope of the pressure-volume curve, is an index of pulmonary function and is altered in several lung diseases. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels are varied to induce different respiratory mechanics in a controlled fashion to simulate pathological changes in an animal. In this study, we evaluated the volumetric changes in mechanically ventilated mice using 3D dynamic MRI over a respiratory cycle by controlling different PEEP and end-inspiratory pressure levels. The results were compared with the tissue mechanical properties measured by a small animal ventilator.