Respiratory Function Assays - General Approach

The function of the pumping apparatus is ensure the appropriate movement of gases between the environment and the central airways and is evaluated by measuring ventilatory patterns. Ventilatory parameters must include measures of respiratory rate, tidal volume 

Because the safety profiles defined by safety pharmacology studies can have a significant impact on the successful development of new therapeutic agents, it is important that the techniques and assays used in safety pharmacology studies minimize the occurrence of false negative and false positive results. For this reason, techniques that provide direct measures of respiratory parameters should be used. A direct measure is one that provides the endpoint of interest, in contrast to an indirect measure that provides a surrogate endpoint, 

Amdur MO, Mead J (1958) Mechanics of respiration in unanes-Ihelized guinea pigs. American Journal of Physiology 192 364-368 

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