Respiratory mechanics do not always mirror pulmonary histological changes in emphysema.

Objective: To verify the accordance of functional and morphometric parameters during the development of emphysema.

Methods: BALB/c mice received a nasal drop of either papain or saline solution and were studied after 1, 3, 15, 28, and 40 days. Functional parameters, such as airway resistance, tissue damping, and tissue elastance, were analyzed.