چکیده (انگلیسی):

Background: Lung sound analysis is useful for objectively evaluating airways even in children with
asymptomatic asthma. However, the relationship between lung sounds and morphological changes in
the airways has not been elucidated. We examined the relationship between lung sounds and chronic
morphological changes in the airways during the progression of asthma from onset in guinea pigs.
Methods: Eleven male guinea pigs were examined; of these, seven were used as asthma models and four
as controls. The asthma models were sensitized and repeatedly challenged by inhaling albumin chicken
egg. We measured lung sounds and lung function twice a week for 21 weeks. After the final antigen
challenge, the lungs were excised for histological examination. We measured the ratio of airway wall
thickness to the total airway area and the ratio of the internal area to the total airway area in the trachea,
third bronchi, and terminal bronchioles.
Results: Among the lungs sounds, the difference between the two groups was greatest with respect to
inspiratory sound intensity. The ratio of airway wall thickness to the total airway area of the terminal
bronchioles was greater in the asthma models than in the controls, and it correlated best with the
changes in inspiratory sound intensity in the 501e1000-Hz range (r ¼ 0.76, p < 0.003).
Conclusions: Lung sound intensity in the middle frequency range from 501 to 1000 Hz correlated with
peripheral airway wall thickness. Inspiratory sound intensity appeared to be an indicator of morphological
changes in small airways in asthma.
Copyright © 2016, Japanese Society of Allergology.