Evaluation of Pulmonary Mechanics in Guinea Pigs during Respiratory Anaphylaxis

Hoiroyde, M. C., S. V. Smith and G. Holme: Evaluation of tory rate. Measurement of these parameters allows qualitative pulmonary mechanics in guinea pigs during respiratory ana- comparisons to be made with changes that are routinely deter-phylaxis. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 21 2: 1 62-1 66, 1 980. mined during investigations of human asthma. Exposure of anesthetized guinea pigs to a 3 % ovalbumin aerosol for 2 mm Guinea pigs sensitized to ovalbumin exhibit signs of respiratory produced an increase in respiratory rate, a 20 % fall in peak impairment when exposed to an aerosol of the antigen. This expiratory flow rate and maximal mid-expiratory flow rate, a response was investigated in anesthetized guinea pigs by 50 % fall in forced vital capacity and a 40 % fall in forced determining forced pulmonary mechanics to derive peak ex- expiratory volume in 0. 1 sec. This response was reversed by piratory flow rate, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory vol- aminophylline. In these respects the response appears to be ume in 0.1 sec, maximal mid-expiratory flow rate and respira- similar to the acute asthmatic response in humans. Several animal species have been examined as potential models of human allergic asthma (Patterson and Kelly, 1974). Among these, guinea pigs and rats have been widely used. In most cases, however, analysis of respiratory responses in thes