Volume of rat lungs measured throughout the respiratory cycle using ¹⁹F NMR of the inert gas SF₆

Abstract

The lung volumes of mechanically ventilated rats were measured over the course of the respiratory cycle using the NMR signal strength from inhaled sulfurhexafluoride. Rats with elastase-induced emphysema showed larger lung volumes and slower exhalation than control rats. For humans the technique should be able to provide lung volume measurements at least 20 times a second.