Respiratory mechanics and lung tissue remodeling in a hepatopulmonary syndrome rat model

Intrapulmonary vasodilation is a hallmark of the hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). However, its effects on respiratory mechanical properties and lung morphology are unknown. To determine these effects, 28 rats were randomly divided to control and experimental HPS groups (eHPS). The spontaneous breathing pattern, gas exchange, respiratory system mechanical properties, and lung and liver morphology of the rats were evaluated. Tidal volume, minute ventilation and mean inspiratory flow were significantly reduced in the eHPS group. Chest wall pressure dissipation against the resistive and viscoelastic components and elastic elastance were increased in the eHPS group. The lung resistive pressure dissipation was lower but the viscoelastic pressure was higher in the eHPS group. The airway volume proportion of collagen and elastic fibers was increased in the eHPS animals (16% and 51.7%; P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). The proportion of collagen volume in the vasculature increased 29% in the eHPS animals (P < 0.01). HPS presents with respiratory system mechanical disarray as well as airway and vascular remodeling.