Lung morphometry, collagen and elastin content: changes after hyperoxic exposure in preterm rabbits.
BACKGROUND
Elastic and collagen fiber deposition increases throughout normal lung development, and this fiber network significantly changes when development of the lung is disturbed. In preterm rats and lambs, prolonged hyperoxic exposure is associated with impaired alveolarization and causes significant changes in the deposition and structure of elastic fibers.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of hyperoxic exposure on elastic and collagen fiber deposition in the lung interstitial matrix and in alveolarization in preterm rabbits.


METHODS
After c-section, 28-day preterm New-Zealand-White rabbits were randomized into 2 study groups, according to the oxygen exposure, namely: Room air (oxygen = 21%) or Oxygen (oxygen > or = 95%). The animals were killed on day 11 and their lungs were analyzed for the alveolar size (Lm), the internal surface area (ISA), the alveoli number, and the density and distribution of collagen and elastic fibers.


RESULTS
An increase in the Lm and a decrease in the alveoli number were observed among rabbits that were exposed to hyperoxia with no differences regarding the ISA. No difference in the density of elastic fibers was observed after oxygen exposure, however there were fewer collagen fibers and an evident disorganization of fiber deposition.


CONCLUSIONS
This model reproduces anatomo-pathological injuries representing the arrest of normal alveolar development and lung architecture disorganization by just a prolonged exposition to oxygen.


CONCLUSIONS
In the preterm rabbit, prolonged oxygen exposure impaired alveolarization and also lowered the proportion of collagen fibers, with an evident fiber network disorganization.
Mascaretti
Renata Suman
RS
Pediatrics Department, Experimental Research Unit, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo - São Paulo/SP, Brazil. renatasmp@uol.com.br
Mataloun
Marta Maria Galli Bozzo
MM
Dolhnikoff
Marisa
M
Rebello
Celso Moura
CM
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D004549:Elastin / Q000378:metabolism*; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000633:toxicity*; D011817:Rabbits; D011897:Random Allocation
D003094:Collagen; D004549:Elastin; D010100:Oxygen