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Gaseous Dynamics of the Rabbit Maxillary Sinus
Author(s) -
Mikula Suzette K.,
Gan Patrick J.,
Shapiro Jack,
Lawson William
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-199602000-00008
Subject(s) - maxillary sinus , sinus (botany) , breathing , respiration , antrum , respiratory system , medicine , carbon dioxide , anesthesia , chemistry , anatomy , biology , botany , stomach , genus , organic chemistry
To better understand the mechanisms underlying maxillary sinus function, the gas composition of the sinus antrum in spontaneously breathing and tracheotomized rabbits (n = 17) was compared. The gas composition of samples (n = 117) obtained from rabbit maxillary sinuses was determined by gas chromatography. Results demonstrated significant differences ( P <.005) in sinus gas composition between nasal breathing and tracheotomized animals for oxygen (O 2 ) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). In tracheotomized animals O 2 levels decreased while CO 2 levels increased markedly to suprasystemic levels. This unexpected finding may be due to reduced sinus blood flow and the effects of nasal versus tracheal respiration. We conclude that the gaseous dynamics and perhaps the function of the maxillary sinus vary under different respiratory conditions. A better understanding of these processes may lead to earlier diagnosis and the development of improved treatments for sinus disease.