NAM is an acronym for Noninvasive Airway Mechanics also known as “Pennock” Double Chamber Plethysmography. The NAM system monitors ventilatory and bronchoconstriction parameters in animals without the use of anesthesia. The subject is restrained in a double chamber plethysmograph which allows the independent measurement of nasal and thoracic flows. Thoracic flow being the airflow due to thoracic expansion and compression. When the subject inhales, it draws air from the nasal chamber into the lungs. As the air moves into the lungs, the chest expands and forces the same volume of air out of the thoracic chamber. The phase difference between both flows is a measure of bronchoconstriction and called specific airway resistance (sRaw). The Double Chamber Plethysmograph design was scientifically established over 30 years ago and is considered an alternative to EF50 and Penh1. The NAM system is ideal for researchers interested longitudinal studies of airway resistance without the use of anesthesia.
Applications and References
1Pennock, B.E., C.P. Cox, R.M. Rogers, W. A. Cain, and J.H. Wells. A noninvasive technique for measurement of changes in specific airway resistance. J. Appl. 46(2): 399-406, 1979.
Publications Citing Buxco FinePointe Noninvasive Airway Mechanics
Khaitov M, Shilovskiy I, Nikonova A, Shershakova N, Kamyshnikov O, Babakhin A, Zverev V, Johnston S, Khaitov R. “Small interfering RNAs targeted to interleukin-4 and respiratory syncytial virus reduce airway inflammation in a mouse model of virus-induced asthma exacerbation.” Human Gene Therapy. 2014;25:642-650.
Lowe A, Broadley K, Nials A, Ford W, Kidd E. “Adjustment of sensitisation and challenge protocols restores functional and inflammatory responses to ovalbumin in guinea-pigs.” The Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods. 2014;72: 85-93.
Kandasamy R, Park S, Boyapalle S, Mohapatra S, Hellermann G, Lockey R, Mohapatra S. “Isatin down-regulates expression of atrial natriuretic peptide receptor A and inhibits airway inflammation in a mouse model of allergic asthma.” International Immunopharmacology. 2010;10:218-225.
Accessories / Supplies:
A variety of accessories and supplies are available for all Buxco respiratory products to improve system flexibility and maintain proper system performance. The most commonly requested accessory is the Chamber Maintenance Kit which includes replacement o-ring seals and plethysmograph screens.