A model of isolated, autologously hemoperfused porcine slaughterhouse lungs.
BACKGROUND
Models of isolated and perfused lungs study pathophysiological phenomena of the airways, but are limited by restricted resemblance to the human situation, non-physiological perfusates or the need for the use of high numbers of laboratory animals. The present model was established to address these difficulties.


OBJECTIVE
Aim of the current study was the establishment of an animal model that uses slaughterhouse animals and closely resembles physiological conditions found in humans.


METHODS
We used a model of hemoperfused isolated porcine slaughterhouse lungs using autologous blood, metabolically controlled via a dialysis system. Over a period of 135 minutes positive inspiratory pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vein oxygen partial pressure and lung weight were assessed.


RESULTS
Stable organ function was maintained over 135 minutes with an amount of 2,500-3,000 ml perfusate without fall in pulmonary arterial pressure. During the time the positive inspiratory pressure and lung weight increased, while pulmonary vein oxygen partial pressure decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
The present model of isolated hemoperfused slaughterhouse lungs displays a useful new and economic approach to evaluate pulmonary function and toxicity of different substances on an organ level. As a major economic advantage in comparison to models using laboratory animals, the current model might be run using blood and organs obtained from slaughterhouse animals.
Kamusella
Peter C
PC
Dept. of Radiology, Westkuestenkliniken Heide, Germany. paipman@web.de
Wissgott
Christian
C
Grosse-Siestrup
Christian
C
Dittrich
Sven
S
Hegemann
Olaf
O
Koios
Dimitri
D
von Massenbach
Juliane
J
Meissler
Michael
M
Unger
Volker
V
Quarcoo
David
D
Groneberg
David A
DA
D000003:Abattoirs; D000818:Animals; D008168:Lung / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000502:physiology*; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D009929:Organ Size; D010600:Pharmacology / Q000379:methods; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests / Q000379:methods*; D013552:Swine