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Thermal Factors in Respiratory Mechanics

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Abstract

The sections in this article are:

1 Direct Thermal Effects on Smooth Muscle in Vitro
1.1 Airway Smooth Muscle
1.2 Vascular Smooth Muscle
2 Indirect Thermal Effects on Smooth Muscle in Vitro
2.1 Temperature‐Dependent Alterations in Adrenergic Receptor Function
3 Thermal Effects on Respiratory Mechanics in Vivo
3.1 Alterations in Airway Function via Temperature‐Sensitive Neural Receptors
3.2 Temperature‐Dependent Alterations in Airway Function
3.3 Airway‐Cooling Mechanisms That Produce Bronchoconstriction
4 Summary
Figure 1. Figure 1.

Relationship between changes in temperature in retrotracheal portion of esophagus during exercise and postexertional alterations in 1‐s forced expiratory volumes (FEV1) for asthmatic subjects. Open circles, data obtained while air at body conditions of temperature and humidity (37°C with 44 mgH2O/liter air) was inspired; closed circles, room air conditions (27° with 6 mgH2O); open squares, experiments in which frigid air was used (‐16°C).

From Deal et al. 18
Figure 2. Figure 2.

Effects of altering ventilation and inspired air conditions on the obstructive response in asthmatics. VE, minute ventilation; %ΔFEV1, percentage fall from control values in 1‐s forced expiratory volumes. Data are derived from the same 10 subjects in Fig. 1 who breathed the noted air mixtures. Brackets, 1 SD.



Figure 1.

Relationship between changes in temperature in retrotracheal portion of esophagus during exercise and postexertional alterations in 1‐s forced expiratory volumes (FEV1) for asthmatic subjects. Open circles, data obtained while air at body conditions of temperature and humidity (37°C with 44 mgH2O/liter air) was inspired; closed circles, room air conditions (27° with 6 mgH2O); open squares, experiments in which frigid air was used (‐16°C).

From Deal et al. 18


Figure 2.

Effects of altering ventilation and inspired air conditions on the obstructive response in asthmatics. VE, minute ventilation; %ΔFEV1, percentage fall from control values in 1‐s forced expiratory volumes. Data are derived from the same 10 subjects in Fig. 1 who breathed the noted air mixtures. Brackets, 1 SD.

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E. R. McFadden, Roland H. Ingram. Thermal Factors in Respiratory Mechanics. Compr Physiol 2011, Supplement 12: Handbook of Physiology, The Respiratory System, Mechanics of Breathing: 703-709. First published in print 1986. doi: 10.1002/cphy.cp030339