Alveolar-capillary Reserve After Exercise in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (COP-DTPA)

Alveolar-capillary Reserve After Exercise in COPD

It is unknown whether individuals with COPD exhibit abnormal alveolar-capillary breaching during exercise, and whether this contributes to exertional dyspnoea. The aim of this study is to investigate whether individuals with COPD exhibit an abnormal increase in alveolar-capillary breaching during exertion, as indicated by an increase alveolar-capillary permeability with a concomitantly exacerbated increase in lung tissue mass.

It is unknown whether individuals with COPD exhibit abnormal alveolar-capillary breaching during exercise, and whether this contributes to exertional dyspnoea. The aim of this study is to investigate whether individuals with COPD exhibit an abnormal increase in alveolar-capillary breaching during exertion, as indicated by an increase alveolar-capillary permeability with a concomitantly exacerbated increase in lung tissue mass. The study participants include a control group and a group with COPD (GOLD I-III). Participants are undergoing three study days: (1) Measurement of maximal aerobic capacity and lung function test, (2) lung tissue mass and alveolar-capillary permeability is measured at rest and again 2 hours later, immediately after the participant has exercised on a bicycle ergometer and (3) supine cardiac output and pulmonary capillary blood volume will be measured at rest and immediately after exercise.

Inclusion criteria - individuals with COPD

• Men and women
• 45-80 years old
• COPD (GOLD stage I to III)
• Resting arterial oxygenation > 90%

Inclusion criteria - healthy controls

• Men and women
• 45-80 years old
• Non-smokers
• Normal lung function
• Same sex, age (± 3 years) as the COPD group

Exclusion criteria - individuals with COPD

• Symptoms of ischemic heart disease
• Known heart failure
• Symptoms of illness, including fever, within 2 weeks prior to the study
• Pregnancy
• • Known renal or liver diseaseActive smoking (within 3 weeks)

Exclusion criteria - healthy controls

• Known chronic lung disease
• Symptoms of ischemic heart disease
• Known heart failure
• Symptoms of illness, including fever, within 2 weeks prior to the study
• Pregnancy
• Known renal or liver disease
• Active smoking (within 3 weeks)