Experimental Pulmonary Edema Study

Experimental Pulmonary Edema in Rabbits

• The study aims to replicate experimental pulmonary edema and understand its manifestations and mechanisms.
• Edema is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissue spaces or body cavities.

Purpose and Principle

• The purpose of the experiment is to learn the methods of replicating experimental pulmonary edema, and understand the manifestations and mechanisms of edema.

Factors Affecting Fluid Exchange

• Four factors influence fluid exchange:
  • Capillary hydrostatic pressure (↑)
  • Plasma colloid osmotic pressure (↓)
  • Microvascular permeability (↑)
  • Lymphatic drainage obstruction

Effective Filtration Pressure

• Effective filtration pressure = (capillary filtration pressure + tissue colloidal pressure) - (tissue hydrostatic pressure + capillary colloidal osmotic pressure)
• Pressure differences drive fluid movement between capillaries and tissues.

Imbalance of Fluid Exchange

• Imbalance in fluid exchange across blood vessels leads to edema formation.
• This imbalance can be due to various factors like changes in capillary hydrostatic pressure, plasma colloid osmotic pressure, microvascular permeability, and lymphatic drainage. This can lead to fluid buildup in the tissues.

Pulmonary Edema

• Pulmonary edema involves fluid accumulation in the lung's tissue spaces.
• This can impact gas exchange and lead to breathing difficulties.
• Alveoli are affected as fluid builds up in the tissue spaces. Damage to capillaries and other components of the alveoli or pulmonary vascular system may be present.

Methods and Procedures

• Methods include:
  • Rapid injection of fluid into the marginal ear vein
  • Measurement of blood pressure to assess systemic effects

Measurements

• Measurements are taken of:
  • Size
  • Weight
  • Colour
  • Edge of lungs to assess effects on the tissue

Questions

• Note: The questions are not provided in the document.