Diaphragm muscle shortening modulates kinematics of lower rib cage in dogs

Iris Chu, Cristina Fernandez, Kathleen Allen Rodowicz, Michael A. Lopez, Raymond Lu, Rolf D. Hubmayr, Aladin M. Boriek

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that diaphragm muscle shortening modulates volume displacement and kinematics of the lower rib cage in dogs and that posture and mode of ventilation affect such modulation. Radiopaque markers were surgically attached to the lower three ribs of the rib cage and to the midcostal region of the diaphragm in six dogs of ∼8 kg body masses, and the locations of these markers were determined by a biplane fluoroscopy system. Three-dimensional software modeling techniques were used to compute volume displacement and surface area of the midcostal diaphragm and the lower three ribs during quiet spontaneous breathing, mechanical ventilation, and bilateral phrenic nerve stimulation at different lung volumes spanning the vital capacity. Volume displaced by the diaphragm relative to that displaced by the lower ribs is disproportionately greater under mechanical ventilation than during spontaneous breathing in the supine position (P < 0.05). At maximal stimulation, diaphragm volume displacement grows disproportionately larger than rib volume displacement as lung volume increases (P < 0.05). Surface area of both the diaphragm and the lower ribs during maximal stimulation of the diaphragm is reduced compared with that at spontaneous breathing (P < 0.05). In the prone posture, mechanical ventilation results in a smaller change in diaphragm surface area than spontaneous breathing (P < 0.05). Our data demonstrate that during inspiration the lower rib cage moves not only through the pump- and bucket-handle motion, but also rotates around the spine. Taken together, these data support the observation that the kinematics of the lower rib cage and its mechanical interaction with the diaphragm are more complex than previously known.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)R1456-R1462
JournalAmerican Journal of Physiology - Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology
Volume299
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2010

Keywords

  • Chest wall
  • Mechanics
  • Respiration
  • Respiratory muscles

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Diaphragm muscle shortening modulates kinematics of lower rib cage in dogs'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this