Evaluation of methodological and biological influences on the collection and composition of exhaled breath condensate

Abstract

The purpose of this inter-species comparison (calves and pigs) was to identify methodological and biological influences on the collection and composition of exhaled breath condensate (EBC). A total of 352 EBC samples were collected, whilst variables of ventilation were registered in parallel. Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) and pH were analysed in non-degassed EBC samples. The concentration of total protein in EBC was measured colorimetrically. In both species, lung function was evaluated before and after EBC collection. Statistical analyses were performed to study the effect of EBC collection on lung function and to identify the influence of ventilatory variables on the collection and composition of EBC. Collection of EBC did not affect lung function. Despite the volume of EBC collected per unit time being primarily dependent on ventilation per unit time, species-specific conditions during the EBC collection process resulted in different dependences of EBC collection from other variables of ventilation (i.e. maximal airflow during expiration or expired tidal volume kg-1 body weight). The concentration of protein ml(-1) EBC increased with the expired volume per min and with peak expiratory flow. Although the pCO2 in fresh EBC was significantly negatively dependent on the duration of collection, comparable pHs (5.6 - 6.2) were measured in EBC of both calves and pigs. The obtained data may help one standardize EBC collection in different species.

Exhaled breath condensate hydrogen peroxide, pH and leukotriene B4 are associated with lower airway inflammation and airway cytology in the horse

“…The mean pH of neat EBC was slightly higher than previous reports in horses with and without LAI , calves and pigs . The mean pH of deaerated EBC was comparable to previous reports in healthy horses, human subjects and dogs .…”

An experimentally inducedChlamydiasuis infection in pigs results in severe lung function disorders and pulmonary inflammation

“…An EBC sampling system (ECoScreen, Viasys Healthcare) was connected to the facemask as previously described [30]. The animal was allowed to inhale only filtered ambient air (PALL breathing system filter, Pall Europe Ltd, Portsmouth, UK) in order to avoid contamination of EBC by inhaled ambient particles.…”

Exhaled breath condensate: a comprehensive update

“…Despite so, findings in animal models have identified that pCO 2 in EBC is negatively dependent on duration of collection [ 44 ]. A standardised collection time is therefore necessary in future EBC studies.…”