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PubMed2003

Predicting normal lung function in patients with childhood spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational study. OBJECTIVES: To compare the height and arm span measurements in childhood spinal cord injured (SCI) people and examine the subsequent effect on calculating the predicted lung function using standard formulae and to discuss which of the two measurements is the most appropriate to use in these formulae. SETTING: National Spinal Injuries Centre, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, UK. METHOD: A total of 12 children had lung function tests performed and at the same time had height and armspan measured. The predicted lung function was calculated twice; once using height and then using arm span and compared. The actual lung function test results were expressed as percentage of the two predicted values, respectively, and compared. RESULTS: The difference between the mean height (1499 mm) and arm span (1649 mm) measurements was significant (P<0.001). In all cases, the arm span measurement was greater than the height. The two predicted lung function values (one calculated using height and the other armspan) were significantly different (P<0.001). When lung function test results were expressed as percentage of the two predicted values they gave a very different interpretation of the results. The actual performance was much lower than the predicted values if arm span, rather than height, was used in prediction equations. CONCLUSION: In childhood SCI, the difference in height and arm span is significant. This affects the predicted lung function values significantly and thus changes the interpretation of the lung function test results. The most appropriate measurement to use in prediction equations (height or arm span) in these subjects is yet to be decided.

Anthropometry↗

PubMed2001

"Ethnic" variation in childhood lung function may relate to preventable nutritional deficiency.

UNLABELLED: This study aimed to define the differences in lung function between British Caucasian and rural eastern Indian children, and to test the hypothesis that nutrition could account for such "ethnic" variation. To exclude confounders, a rural Indian setting was identified and children were screened for respiratory illness before lung function and nutritional characteristics were measured. Regression equations for this population have already been published. In this study, the lung function differences between rural eastern Indian (n=391) and mean predicted lung function for Caucasian children were characterized, matched for height and sex. In addition, stepwise multiple regression models were fitted to investigate the relative associations of lung function differences with body mass index (BMI), occipitofrontal circumference and age. Although the largest differences in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) [girls 28.7 (27.3-30.1), boys 23.4 (22.2-24.6)] and forced vital capacity [girls 27.9 (26.4-29.4), boys 30.7 (29.6-31.9)] [values as mean difference in % predicted (95% confidence intervals)] ever reported between two populations were observed, differences in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were small. BMI was strongly associated with inter-racial differences for FEV1 for both sexes (boys beta = -0.227, girls beta = -0.353. p < 0.001) and PEFR for girls (beta = -0.200, p < or = 0.05) (beta = standardized coefficient). CONCLUSION: Preventable nutritional factors may play a causal role in determining the FEV1 differences between rural Indian and Caucasian children. As peak FEV1 in youth influences respiratory morbidity in later life, it is important to define specific nutrient deficiencies that may relate to poor FEV1 growth in these children.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Polymorphisms in the beta2 adrenergic receptor and bronchodilator response, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and rate of decline in lung function in smokers.

BACKGROUND: Non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness (NSBH) is a known predictor of accelerated rate of decline in lung function in smokers. Polymorphisms of the beta(2) adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) have previously been associated with NSBH and bronchodilator response (BDR) in asthmatics. Based on these associations, we hypothesised that ADRB2 polymorphisms would be associated with NSBH and BDR as well as an accelerated rate of decline in lung function among smokers. METHODS: The prevalence of two ADRB2 polymorphisms, Arg16-->Gly and Gln27-->Glu, was examined in 587 smokers chosen from the NHLBI Lung Health Study for having the fastest (n=282) and slowest (n=305) 5 year rate of decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1); mean DeltaFEV(1) -4.14 and +1.08% predicted/year, respectively). RESULTS: Contrary to our hypothesis, no ADRB2 allele or haplotype was associated with NSBH, BDR, or rate of decline in lung function. However, there was a significant negative association between heterozygosity at position 27 and a fast decline in lung function (adjusted odds ratio 0.56, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.78, p=0.0007). CONCLUSIONS: Heterozygosity at position 27 may be protective against an accelerated rate of decline in lung function. The polymorphism at position 16 does not contribute to the rate of decline in lung function, measures of NSBH, or BDR in smokers.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2005

[A follow-up study of the lung function and the chest CT changes in medical staff with severe acute respiratory syndrome in Beijing].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the lung function and radiological changes in rehabilitating severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients of medical staff in Beijing. METHODS: Follow-up lung function tests and chest high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) were performed in medical staff with SARS from Dec. 2003 to Feb. 2004. RESULTS: Thirty-one (7.64%) of 406 patients showed abnormal ventilatory function, while 165 of 404 patients showed diffusing abnormality. Of the 434 patients who had received HRCT scans, 151 (34.79%) showed abnormalities including subpleural and basal ground-glass and reticular attenuation, nodular septal thickening and bronchiectasis. Of the 395 patients who had received both lung function test and HRCT scanning, 55 (13.92%) had abnormalities both in the lung function and HRCT. The decrease in diffusing capacity in patients with HRCT changes was more significant than those without HRCT changes. CONCLUSIONS: Lung function and lung imaging were abnormal in some patients with SARS after recovery. It is suggested that the lung damage is chronic, and follow-up is needed.

Adult↗

PubMed1976

Effect of modification of the smoking habit on lung function.

The effect of smoking cessation or modification on lung function was determined during a 48-week period. In a large number of the cigarette smokers, a disturbance of lung function was not revealed by conventional tests, such as the 1-sec forced expiratory volume; however, an abnormality was often demonstrable in tests that may reflect alterations in small airways, such as closing volume and Phase III of the single-breath expired N2 curve. There was no relation between the degree of abnormality of lung function and the presence of respiratory symptoms, but there appeared to be a relationship to lifetime smoking history, the heaviest smokers having the poorest function. Cessation, or more than 25 per cent decrease in the number of cigarettes smoked, was attened by improvement in the slope of Phase III of the N2 washout curve, closing volume, and closing capacity, as well as forced vital capacity, 1-sec forced expiratory volume, and peak flow. Resumption of smoking after cessation was attended by a deterioration in the slope of Phase III and closing capacity. The data suggest that the functional abnormalities in smokers are related to smoking and are at least partially reversible by cessation or significant modification of the smoking habit.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Long-term deterioration of lung function in asthmatic outpatients.

BACKGROUND: Although the long-term deterioration of lung function in asthmatic patients has been described, the exact mechanism remains to be determined. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to find correlations between age, sex, atopic status, duration of asthma, asthma severity and the decline in pulmonary function. METHOD: The medical histories of 1,006 randomly chosen asthmatic outpatients were studied and retrospective data on asthma duration, spirometry results, treatment and symptomatology were gathered. A screening spirometry was performed. RESULTS: 598 women and 408 men (age: 44.59, range 12-95 years) participated in the study. Intermittent asthma was diagnosed in 35.4%, chronic mild asthma in 33.4%, moderate asthma in 23.8% and severe asthma in 7.45% of the patients. Statistically significant correlations between patient age, asthma duration and lung function measurements were found. Linear regression revealed the following differences in lung functions per year of asthma duration: FEV1: -0.882% of predicted; FVC: -0.509% of predicted; FEV1/FVC: -0.324% of predicted. The unadjusted annual decline was 80.1 ml/year (p = 0.00003) in FEV1 and 20.5 ml/year (p = 0.036) in FVC. A multiple regression model revealed that asthma severity appears to be the strongest factor influencing pulmonary function (beta = -0.55, p < 0.001 for FEV1). Also, significant associations between pulmonary function measurements, patient age, atopic status and male sex were noted. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this large cohort study show that asthmatic patients develop a progressive decline in pulmonary function correlated with age, sex, duration of asthma and asthma severity. Early diagnosis and intervention is necessary to ameliorate any potential negative impact of asthma on lung function.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Lung function and exercise capacity in young adults born prematurely.

RATIONALE: Limited information is available about the long-term outcome of lung function and exercise capacity in young adults born prematurely. OBJECTIVE: To determine long-term effects of prematurity on lung function (volumes, diffusing capacity) and exercise capacity in ex-preterms compared with healthy peers. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, children born with a gestational age of less than 32 wk and/or a birth weight under 1,500 g were followed up for 19 yr. Participants (n=42; mean gestational age, 30 wk, and mean birth weight, 1,246 g) and healthy term control subjects (n=48) were recruited for lung function and exercise tests. MEASUREMENTS: Spirometry, bodybox (TLC(box)), diffusing capacity (Dl(CO)), bicycle ergometer test. MAIN RESULTS: Preterm birth was associated with lower FEV(1) (preterms, 95% predicted, vs. controls, 110% predicted; p<0.001), DL(CO)sb (88% predicted vs. 96% predicted, p=0.003), and exercise capacity (load, 185 vs. 216 W; p<0.001; anaerobic threshold: mean, 1,546 vs. 1,839 ml/min; p<0.001) compared with control subjects at follow-up. No differences between the groups were found in TLC(box), peak oxygen consumption (Vo(2)), and breathing reserve. No significant differences in lung function and exercise parameters were found between preterms with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term effects of prematurity were airway obstruction and a lower CO diffusing capacity compared with control subjects, although mean lung function parameters were within the normal range. Ex-preterms had a lower exercise level, which could not be explained by impaired lung function or smoking habits, but might be due to impaired physical fitness.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Diminished lung function, RSV infection, and respiratory morbidity in prematurely born infants.

BACKGROUND: Diminished lung function appears to be a risk factor for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection/bronchiolitis in term born infants. AIMS: To determine if diminished lung function prior to neonatal unit discharge was associated with subsequent symptomatic RSV lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) and respiratory morbidity in prematurely born infants. METHODS: Of 39 infants in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (median gestational age 28 weeks, range 23-31), 20 had bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Lung function (compliance and resistance of the respiratory system (C(rs) and R(rs)) and functional residual capacity (FRC)) was measured on the neonatal unit at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). Following neonatal unit discharge, nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained on every occasion, at home or in hospital, an infant had an LRTI. RSV was identified by immunofluorescence and/or culture. RESULTS: The 15 infants who suffered a symptomatic RSV LRTI had a higher mean R(rs) and suffered more wheeze at follow up than the rest of the cohort. Regression analysis showed that a high R(rs) was significantly associated with a symptomatic RSV LRTI; significant factors for cough were a high R(rs) and a symptomatic RSV LRTI, and for wheeze were a high R(rs). CONCLUSION: Prematurely born infants, who had a symptomatic RSV LRTI and/or respiratory morbidity at follow up, had worse lung function prior to neonatal unit discharge.

Airway Resistance↗

PubMed1991

Relationship of airborne endotoxin and bacteria levels in pig farms with the lung function and respiratory symptoms of farmers.

Previous studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of respiratory and other symptoms and a decrement in lung function among pig farm workers, although the relationships with specific agents present in the work environment remain obscure. This study was therefore undertaken to investigate the relationship between symptoms, lung function and airborne endotoxin, ammonia and dust levels in piggeries. Information on symptoms, lung function, endotoxin, ammonia and dust levels was available for 183 pig farmers who worked in 136 farms. For 62 farms information was present on the levels of bacteria and gram-negative bacteria. For these 62 farms, endotoxin exposure measurements were taken in more than one stable. In general, no significant correlations were found between lung function and chronic respiratory symptoms, or dust and ammonia levels. The endotoxin concentration in stables was negatively related to most lung function variables, but only for the subgroup of 62 farmers was a statistically significant relationship found between endoxtoxin exposure and FEV1. A borderline statistically significant and negative relationship was found between the endotoxin concentration and the FVC. Symptoms experienced during or shortly after work showed odds ratios larger than one with the levels of bacteria, gram-negative bacteria and endotoxin, indicating a positive relationship. No consistency in the relationship between symptoms and dust levels was found. The results suggest that endotoxins and (gram-negative) bacteria probably play an important role in the development of symptoms and lung function changes among pig farmers.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Lung function in type 2 diabetes: the Normative Aging Study.

BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional studies have noted that subjects with diabetes have lower lung function than non-diabetic subjects. We conducted this analysis to determine whether diabetic subjects have different rates of lung function change compared with non-diabetic subjects. METHODS: We conducted a nested case-control analysis in 352 men who developed diabetes and 352 non-diabetic subjects in a longitudinal observational study of aging in men. We assessed lung function among cases and controls at three time points: Time0, prior to meeting the definition of diabetes; Time1, the point when the definition of diabetes was met; and Time2, the most recent follow-up exam. RESULTS: Cases had lower forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) at all time points, even with adjustment for age, height, weight, and smoking. In multiple linear regression models adjusting for relevant covariates, there were no differences in rates of FEV1 or FVC change over time between cases and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Men who are predisposed to develop diabetes have decreased lung function many years prior to the diagnosis, compared with men who do not develop diabetes. This decrement in lung function remains after the development of diabetes. We postulate that mechanisms involved in the insulin resistant state contribute to the diminished lung function observed in our subjects.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Peripheral inflammation in patients with asthmatic symptoms but normal lung function.

Some patients with asthmatic symptoms and eosinophilic airway inflammation have normal lung function and thus do not meet the current diagnostic criteria of asthma. Exhaled nitric oxide (NO) measurement at multiple exhalation flow rates can be used to assess alveolar and bronchial NO output and inflammation. We tested whether alveolar or bronchial NO output is increased in subjects having asthmatic symptoms but normal lung function. Exhaled NO concentration was measured at three exhalation flow rates (100, 175, and 370 mL/s) to assess alveolar NO concentration and bronchial NO flux in 23 patients with asthmatic symptoms but normal lung function ("asthmatic symptoms group"), 40 patients with asthma, and 40 healthy control subjects. The asthmatic symptoms group had increased bronchial NO flux (1.7 +/- 0.3 nL/s, p = 0.016) and alveolar NO concentration (1.8 +/- 0.2 parts per billion (ppb), p = 0.010) compared with healthy controls (0.7 +/- 0.1 nL/s and 1.0 +/- 0.1 ppb, respectively). Patients with asthma had even higher bronchial NO flux (2.5 +/- 0.3 nL/s, p = 0.024) but normal alveolar NO concentration (1.1 +/- 0.2 ppb, p = 0.664). In asthmatic symptoms group, alveolar NO concentration correlated positively with blood eosinophil count and negatively with small airway function (FEF50% and FEF75%). In conclusion, patients with asthmatic symptoms but normal lung function have increased alveolar NO concentration and mildly elevated bronchial NO flux suggesting a more peripheral inflammation than in patients with asthma.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Effect of a microaerosol barrier filter on the measurement of lung function.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: A disposable barrier filter (Pall Biomedical, United Kingdom) was developed to prevent the contamination of lung function equipment in clinical use. The aims of this study were to examine its resistance characteristics and to determine the effect of the filter on clinical measurements of lung function. MEASUREMENTS: Twenty-one randomly selected patients and four normal subjects had lung function measured with and without the filter between the mouth and measuring equipment. Measurements of ventilatory function were made with a pneumotachograph (Lilly; Hoechberg, Germany), total lung capacity and airway resistance by constant volume plethysmography, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide by the single breath method. Resistance was determined in five unused filters over the flow range 1 to 12 L/s and at a single flow rate (12 L/s) just after a normal subject expired 20 forced vital capacity (FVC) breaths through each of them. RESULTS: The resistance (mean +/- SD) of unused filters was 0.19 +/- 0.02 cm H2O/L/s at 1 L/s and increased linearly to 0.56 +/- 0.02 cm H2O/L/s at 12 L/s. There was no significant increase in resistance after use. The addition of the filter to the breathing circuit caused statistically significant decreases in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (0.044 +/- 0.08 L, p = 0.014) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (0.47 +/- 0.073 L/s, p = 0.004). The filter did not affect other indices of lung function. CONCLUSION: The filter caused a statistically significant reduction in FEV1 and PEFR; however, this difference was believed not to affect the clinical utility of routine lung function testing.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Healthy worker effect and changes in respiratory symptoms and lung function in hairdressing apprentices.

AIMS: To compare the prevalence and incidence of respiratory symptoms and lung function values between hairdressing apprentices and office apprentices. METHODS: A total of 322 hairdressing apprentices and 277 office apprentices (controls) were studied. Two cross sectional surveys were conducted in 1994 and 1996/97 with longitudinal follow up for a subgroup of apprentices (191 hairdressing apprentices and 189 office apprentices). RESULTS: In the initial phase, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms was significantly lower among hairdressing apprentices than among office apprentices. Lung function test results showed significantly higher values for hairdressing apprentices. Non-specific bronchial reactivity was similar in the two groups. In the final phase, results for respiratory symptoms were similar. The incidence of respiratory symptoms was not significantly different between hairdressing apprentices and office apprentices. Subjects who dropped out had lower values for FVC and FEV1 in the initial phase than those who completed the final phase. There was a significant deterioration of FEV1 and FEF25-75% in hairdressing apprentices compared to office apprentices. There was a link between atopy and the incidence of most of the respiratory symptoms (day/night cough, wheezing, dyspnoea, mucosal hyperresponsiveness) and between smoking and the incidence of bronchial hyperreactivity. There was no significant correlation between change in lung function tests and specific hairdressing activities reported at the end of the apprenticeship or with environmental working conditions in hairdressing salons. CONCLUSIONS: Although a healthy worker effect can be suspected, results showed a significant deterioration of baseline values of lung function tests in the hairdressing apprentice group. However, no clear link was shown between change in lung function tests and specific parameters of occupational activities.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Association between mannan-binding lectin and impaired lung function in cystic fibrosis may be age-dependent.

An association between mannan-binding lectin (MBL) status and severity of lung function impairment in cystic fibrosis (CF) has been found in several studies, but not in others. To explore the possible basis for discrepancies in the literature, we related both MBL and L-ficolin concentrations to lung function and examined the results in relation to the age of the patients. For patients under 15 years of age, those with MBL < 200 ng/ml had better lung function than those with MBL > 200 ng/ml [median forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)), 99% versus 83%; P = 0.05]. For patients over 15 years of age, those with MBL < 200 ng/ml had poorer lung function than those with MBL > 200 ng/ml (median FEV(1), 44% versus 55%; P = 0.1). Also, for the over 15-year-olds, the proportion of patients with FEV(1) values below the median was greater in the MBL-insufficient subgroup (P < 0.04). In other words, relative deficiency of MBL appears to accelerate the age-related decline in lung function in CF patients. No corresponding relationships could be found between L-ficolin concentration and lung function. These findings and interpretation lend support to the potential value of MBL replacement therapy in a small minority of cystic fibrosis patients.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Maternal smoking during pregnancy as a predictor of lung function in children.

Recent studies have suggested that prenatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke may lead to lower lung function in infants. The authors examined the relation of maternal smoking during pregnancy to persistent deficits in the lung function of older children. Subjects were 8,863 nonsmoking white children aged 8-12 years from 22 North American communities. Information on maternal smoking was provided by the child's mother. Pulmonary function testing of the children was conducted at school in 1988-1991. Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy, whether or not they still smoked in the year prior to the study, had significantly lower lung function than did children whose mothers did not smoke in either period. On average, forced expiratory flow between 65 and 75 percent of forced vital capacity (FEF65-75%), forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75 percent of forced vital capacity (FEF25-75%), and forced expiratory volume in 3/4 of a second (FEV0.75) were 5.7%, 4.9%, and 1.7% lower, respectively, for children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy. After adjusting for maternal smoking during pregnancy, the authors found that current maternal smoking was not associated with significant differences on any lung function measure. These results show a persistent deficient in lung function associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy that is not explained by current maternal smoking alone. The strongest effects were observed with pulmonary function measures of flow in the small airways. The authors conclude that the effects of exposure to tobacco smoking by the mother during pregnancy and/or environmental tobacco smoke exposure in the first few years of life persist into childhood and may affect the pulmonary function attained throughout the child's life.

Child↗

PubMed1982

Lung function in adults with mycoplasmal pneumonia.

We prospectively studied on lung function of 17 patients (7 men and 10 women) of acute Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. Lung function tests including %VC, FEV1.0%, Peak flow, V75/HT, V25/HT, V50/V25 and MMF were measured during the acute and convalescent stage. The results showed dysfunction of peripheral airway because of reduction in V50/HT, V25/HT and MMF. It was suggested that lung function in patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia was impaired at the high lung volume as well as low lung volume.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Carbon in airway macrophages and lung function in children.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic studies indirectly suggest that the inhalation of carbonaceous particulate matter impairs lung function in children. Using the carbon content of airway macrophages as a marker of individual exposure to particulate matter derived from fossil fuel, we sought direct evidence of this association. METHODS: Airway macrophages were obtained from healthy children through sputum induction, and the area of airway macrophages occupied by carbon was measured. Lung function was measured with the use of spirometry. We modeled the exposure to primary particulate matter (PM) that is less than 10 mum in aerodynamic diameter (PM10) at or near each child's home address. Linear regression was used to evaluate associations between carbon content of alveolar macrophages and variables that may affect individual exposure. To determine whether lung function that is reduced for other reasons is associated with an increase in the carbon content of airway macrophages, we also studied children with severe asthma. RESULTS: We were able to assess the carbon content of airway macrophages in 64 of 114 healthy children (56 percent). Each increase in primary PM10 of 1.0 microg per cubic meter was associated with an increase of 0.10 microm2 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.01 to 0.18) in the carbon content of airway macrophages, and each increase of 1.0 microm2 in carbon content was associated with a reduction of 17 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 5.6 to 28.4 percent) in forced expiratory volume in one second, of 12.9 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 0.9 to 24.8 percent) in forced vital capacity, and of 34.7 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 11.3 to 58.1 percent) in the forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75 percent of the forced vital capacity. The carbon content of airway macrophages was lower in children with asthma than in healthy children. CONCLUSIONS: There is a dose-dependent inverse association between the carbon content of airway macrophages and lung function in children. We found no evidence that reduced lung function itself causes an increase in carbon content.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Inbred strain variation in lung function.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the strain-specific phenotype variance of lung function parameters among common inbred laboratory mouse strains. In accordance with the "Mouse Phenome Project" run by The Jackson Laboratory (http://www.jax.org/phenome), lung volumes, lung mechanics, and diffusing capacity of 16 males and 16 females of the strains C3H/HeJ, BALB/cByJ, C57B1/6J, A/J, FVB/J, 129SV/ImJ, and SWR/J were determined in a standardized manner. The defined respiratory maneuvers for lung function testing were performed with a custom-made, computer-controlled servo-ventilator in anesthetized animals. Sex differences within the strains were found in most (83%) of the absolute lung function parameters. Usually, normalization to body or lung size completely compensates for the observed gender differences. There was great diversity between strains for all of the lung function parameters studied; for example, the total lung capacity as well as the pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide varied by 50% and the static lung compliance by a factor of almost two among the strains. Little, but statistically significant variability was detectable for the dead space volume and the respiratory system resistance. There was no clear-cut evidence for any strain exhibiting either the smallest or the largest values for all parameters studied, suggesting that there were no simple allometric relationships of lung size between the strains. Well-established genealogical relationships among strains were not constantly reflected in phenotype similarities of pulmonary function. Therefore, these data strongly support heritable genetic traits for pulmonary function. Moreover, it constitutes a basis for further genetic lung function-related studies.

Animals↗