Airway distension during lung inflation in healthy and allergic-sensitised mice in vivo

► We evaluated the distention and compliance of airway segments (to as small as ∼150 μm diameter) in healthy and allergic-sensitised mice in vivo. ► CT images were acquired using a synchrotron in vivo CT when lung pressures were 0 and 20 cmH2O. ► Airway wall thickness in allergic-sensitised mice increased significantly, and the change was much larger in peripheral airways. ► The changes in diameter and airway compliance of the allergic-sensitised mice were significantly smaller in peripheral airways.