[Changes of lung function in experimentally induced emphysema before and after unilateral homotransplantation of the canine lung].

Pulmonary function studies after single-lung homotransplantation in dogs with experimentally induced emphysema. Pulmonary emphysema was induced in 8 bastard dogs by intratracheal instillation of papain (dose 2 mg/kg 3 to 5 times in 6 to 10 weeks). Development of emphysema was documented by weekly pulmonary function studies. The emphysematous animals underwent single-lung homotransplantation. Postoperative studies of lung function were performed immediately after transplantation and 1 week postoperatively. Bronchospirometric measurement revealed that ventilatory function and oxygen consumption of the graft was at least equal to the animal's own emphysematous lung. Up to 1 week after transplantation there is no evidence of serious ventilation-perfusion imbalance.