Effects of controlled and pressure support mechanical ventilation on rat diaphragm muscle

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of Pressure Controlled Ventilation mode (PCV-C) and PSV mode in diaphragm muscle of rats. METHODS: Wistar rats (n=18) were randomly assigned to the control group or to receive 6 hours of PCV and PSV. After this period, animals were euthanized and their diaphragms were excised, frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored in at -80º C for further histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: Results showed a 15% decrease in cross-sectional area of muscle fibers on the PCV-C group when compared to the control group (p<0.001) and by 10% when compared to the PSV group (p<0.05). Minor diameter was decreased in PCV-C group by 9% when compared with the control group (p<0.001) and by 6% when compared to the PSV group (p<0.05). When myonuclear area was analyzed, a 16% decrease was observed in the PCV-C group when compared to the PSV group (p