Fig. 3

Alterations of maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP, A) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP, C) during 60 min’ induction of lung injury, and with equal duration in the Sham and SPX groups. The mean values of MIP (B) and MEP (D) were compared 5 min before the starting point (pre) and 5 min after the 10th lavage (post), and with the same duration in the Sham and SPX groups without lavage. n = 10 in each group. Data are mean ± SD. *: P < 0.05, each group versus the Sham group; ×: P < 0.05, each group versus the SPX group; †: P < 0.05, the post values versus the pre values. LAV Lavage; NIC Nicotine; SPX Splenectomy; MLA Methyllycaconitine