Volume of rat lungs measured throughout the respiratory cycle using 19F NMR of the inert gas SF6.

The lung volumes of mechanically ventilated rats were measured over the course of the respiratory cycle using the NMR signal strength from inhaled sulfurhexafluoride. Rats with elastase-induced emphysema showed larger lung volumes and slower exhalation than control rats. For humans the technique should be able to provide lung volume measurements at least 20 times a second.