Alterations in vascular permeability are defining feature of diverse processes including
atherosclerosis, inflammation, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and ventilator-induced lung
injury. Clinical observations and experimental studies support an essential role of
mechanical forces in pathophysiologic regulation of lung barrier. Accumulating data
demonstrate that decreased levels of blood flow and increased cyclic stretch of lung tissues
associated with lung mechanical ventilation at high tidal volumes increase vascular …