Fig. 2
Schematic representation of the study. A total of 25 rabbits were randomly assigned to control group (n = 5) and acute lung injury (ALI) group (n = 20). After measuring the baseline physiological parameters, rabbits in the ALI group were treated with hydrochloric acid aspiration (1.25 mL/kg) followed by 1-h 10 cmH2O mechanical ventilation to induce ALI. Physical parameters were recorded at T0. Rats with ALI were randomized into four groups (n = 5/group) and ventilated with a driving pressure of 10, 15, 20, or 25 cmH2O with a positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cmH2O for 7 h. The control group was ventilated with a driving pressure of 10 cmH2O for 7 h. Physical parameters were collected every 2 h at T1, T3, T5, and T7. BL: baseline; PP: physiological parameters; BG: blood gas; DP: driving pressure; PEEP: positive end-expiratory pressure; NS: normal saline; HCl: hydrochloric acid; Con: control; ALI: acute lung injury