Pulmonary dysfunction in neonatal calves after intratracheal inoculation of small volumes of fluid.

Intratracheal instillation of 20 ml of room temperature (21 to 24 C) fluid in anesthetized neonatal calves resulted in rapid onset of reversible pulmonary dysfunction. Arterial O2 tension and dynamic compliance decreased, whereas pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, alveolar arterial O2 difference, and total pulmonary resistance increased from base-line values. Abnormalities of gas exchange and pulmonary mechanics were induced by intratracheal fluid instillation whether or not Pasteurella haemolytica was in the inoculum. Physical manipulation of the calf without intratracheal fluid instillation (sham inoculation) did not influence pulmonary function. Bilateral vagotomy eliminated the increase in pulmonary resistance and the decrease in dynamic compliance, but did not eliminate hypoxemia, increased alveolar arterial O2 difference, or pulmonary hypertension recorded after intratracheal fluid instillation. Seemingly, changes in pulmonary mechanics are mediated via the vagus nerve. However, one or more additional mechanisms must be responsible for the hypoxemia and pulmonary hypertension.