Pleurodesis: a novel experimental model.
OBJECTIVE
The experimental model of pleurodesis in rabbits has been useful in understanding the pathophysiology of the pleural inflammatory injury induced by several sclerosing agents. However, restrictions on the use of rabbits in laboratory investigation are making this model less accessible. The aim of this study was to present a new experimental model of pleurodesis in mice using talc or silver nitrate.


METHODS
Four groups of 10 C57BL/6 mice received talc 2 or 4 mg/g in 0.5 mL saline, or 0.025% or 0.05% silver nitrate in 0.5 mL H(2)O. After 28 days the animals were sacrificed, and the pleural cavity was opened and evaluated for evidence of macroscopic pleural adhesions and haemothorax (scores 0-4), atelectasis (scores 0-2), and microscopic pleural and alveolar inflammation and fibrosis (scores 0-4). Statistical analysis used ANOVA.


RESULTS
Silver nitrate 0.05% produced a more effective pleurodesis in mice than did 0.025% silver nitrate or talc 4 mg/g, with significant higher scores for pleural adhesions, microscopic pleural inflammation and fibrosis. Haemothorax, atelectasis, and microscopic alveolar inflammation and fibrosis were negligible in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Both talc 4 mg/g and 0.05% silver nitrate produced an efficient pleurodesis in this experimental model in mice. This new model may overcome the restrictions on the use of large- and medium-sized animals in laboratory investigation and may open new fields of investigation with knockout mice.
Marchi
Evaldo
E
Laboratory of Pleura, Pulmonary Division, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School, Brazil. evmarchi@uol.com.br
Vargas
Francisco S
FS
Acencio
Milena M P
MM
Teixeira
Lisete R
LR
Antonangelo
Leila
L
Lee
Y C Gary
YC
Light
Richard W
RW
D000818:Animals; D005355:Fibrosis; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D023421:Models, Animal; D010994:Pleura / Q000473:pathology; D018700:Pleurodesis; D012835:Silver Nitrate; D013627:Talc
D013627:Talc; D012835:Silver Nitrate