ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on respiratory function and hemodynamics in acute lung injury (ALI) with intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). MethodsSix pigs were anesthetized and received mechanical ventilation (MV). Volume controlled ventilation was set with tidal volumn(VT) of 8 mL/kg,respiratory rate(RR) of 16 bpm,inspired oxygen concentration (FiO2) of 0.40,and PEEP of 5 cm H2O. ALI was induced by repeated lung lavage with diluted hydrochloric acid (pH<2.5) until PaO2/FiO2 declined to 150 mm Hg or less to established ALI model. Intra-abdominal hypertension was induced by an nitrogen inflator to reach intra-abdominal pressure of 20 mm Hg. Respiratory parameters and hemodynamics were continuously recorded at different PEEP levels(5,10,15,and 20 cm H2O). Every level was maintained for one hour. ResultsPaO2/FiO2 in PEEP5,10,15 and 20 were 90±11,102±10,172±23 and 200±34 mm Hg respectively. PaO2/FiO2 in PEEP15 and 20 were significantly higher than those in PEEP5 and 10 (P<0.05). Chest wall compliance (Ccw) in PEEP5,15 and 20 were 26±3,76±15 and 85±14 mL/cm H2O respectively. Ccw in PEEP15 and 20 were significantly higher than those in PEEP5 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in lung compliance (CL) in different PEEP levels (P>0.05). Plateau pressure(Pplat) in PEEP5,10,15 and 20 were 30±3,31±2,36±2 and 38±4 cm H2O respectively. Pplat in PEEP15 and 20 were significantly higher than those in PEEP5 and 10 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Pplat between PEEP15 and 20 (P>0.05). Heart rate (HR) in PEEP5,15 and 20 were 113±17,147±30,and 160±30 beat/min respectively. HR in PEEP15 and 20 were significantly higher than those in PEEP5 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in HR between PEEP15 and 20 (P>0.05).Cardiac index (CI) in PEEP5 and 20 were 4.5±0.6 and 3.5±0.6 L·min-1·m-2 respectively. CI in PEEP20 was significantly lower than that in PEEP5 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in CI in PEEP5,10 or 15(P>0.05). Central venous pressure(CVP) in PEEP5,15 and 20 were 12±2,17±2,and 18±3 mm Hg respectively. CVP in PEEP15 and 20 were significantly higher than those in PEEP5 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in CVP between PEEP15 and 20 (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in MAP,SVRI,ITBVI,GEDI,PVPI,or EVLWI between different PEEP levels. ConclusionConcomitant ALI and IAH can induce great impairments in respiratory physiology. When PEEP is gradually increased,oxygenation and the respiratory function are improved without significant secondary hemodynamic disturbances.