Respiratory physiology & neurobiology
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Respir Physiol Neurobiol · Mar 2021
Analysis of inspiratory and expiratory muscles using ultrasound in rats: A reproducible and non-invasive tool to study respiratory function.
Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive technique to assess organ function. Its potential application in rodents to evaluate respiratory function remains poorly investigated. We aimed to assess and validate ultrasound technique in rats to analyze inspiratory and expiratory muscles. ⋯ The tidal volume was significantly correlated with the right + left RA area (r = 0.76, p < 0.001), and the rapid shallow breathing index was significantly and inversely correlated with the right + left RA area (r=-0.53, p < 0.05). In the supine position, the right and left diaphragm expiratory thickness were not associated with tidal volume obtained in the physiological position. Ultrasound imaging is highly accurate and reproducible to assess and follow up diaphragm and RA structure and function in rats.