Air and saline P-V curves were run on the excised lungs of rats starved 1-4 days. Stability estimates based on % of maximum volume retained on deflation tended toward decreases, but atelectasis was not increased according to buoyancy measurements. Compliance was not significantly affected, with whatever trend existed being toward increases. Average air P-V curves for day 3 and 4 of starvation were essentially superimposable on control curves. Surface tension of lung lavage fluid was measured (Surfactometer) during cyclic compression and expansion of the film. Min and max γ were elevated, and the activity index (s) depressed, but the area of the hysteresis loop was relatively unchanged. It is concluded that despite increases in γ of lung washings, pulmonary mechanics was little affected by 1-4 days of food deprivation. The effects on surface tension may be due to a decrease in quantity of surfactant extractable, without any change in composition.