Glucocorticoid induced impairment of lung structure assessed by digital image analysis.
Glucocorticoids (GC) are successfully applied in neonatology to improve lung maturation in preterm born babies. Animal studies show that GC can also impair lung development. In this investigation, we used a new approach based on digital image analysis. Microscopic images of lung parenchyma were skeletonised and the geometrical properties of the septal network characterised by analysing the 'skeletal' parameters. Inhibition of the process of alveolarisation after extensive administration of small doses of GC in newborn rats was confirmed by significant changes in the 'skeletal' parameters. The induced structural changes in the lung parenchyma were still present after 60 days in adult rats, clearly indicating a long lasting or even definitive impairment of lung development and maturation caused by GC.


CONCLUSIONS
digital image analysis and skeletonisation proved to be a highly suited approach to assess structural changes in lung parenchyma.
Tschanz
Stefan A
SA
Institute of Anatomy, University of Berne, Switzerland. tschanz@ana.unibe.ch
Haenni
Beat
B
Burri
Peter H
PH
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000633:toxicity*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000633:toxicity*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D018715:Microscopy, Video / Q000379:methods; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology; D051381:Rats; D013997:Time Factors
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone