Effect of inspired volume on closing volume.

Closing volume (CV) was ?EASURED WITH THE RESIDENT GAS TECHNIQUE IN 12 HEALTHY SEATED SUBJECTS AGE 22-70 YR, AND IN 8 SUBJECTS WITH THE BOLUS TECHNIQUE. Various volumes were inspired (Vi range: 20-100% vital capacity) from residual volume and CV was assessed on the subsequent recording of expired volume versus gas concentration. The results indicate that the resident gas technique may erroneously underestimate CV at reduced Vi in conformity with calculations which predict that during expiration, after a certain reduced VI, the nitrogen concentration is identical in the most basal lung region and at the mouth. CV obtained with the bolus technique decreased linearly with reduced Vi and the effect appeared to be age dependent according to the equation CV50/CV100=0.0078 X age +1.18, where CV50 and CV100 denote the bolus CV corresponding to Vi=50% and 100% of vital capacity. Therefore, in older subjects, during tidal breathing, airways appear to close at substantially lower lung volume than previously considered.