title: A novel translational model for fetoscopic intratracheal delivery of nanoparticles in piglets.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of fetal tracheal injection in the late-gestational pig to target the airways.
  
  
  METHODS
  Following laparotomy and hysterotomy, fetoscopy was performed in pregnant sows to access the fetal trachea. Two volumes of fluospheres were injected (1 and 3 mL). Fluosphere distribution to the different lung lobes was investigated by microscopy. Possible fetal airway injury, caused by the surgical procedure or intratracheal injection, was investigated. Lung morphology and fetal lung volumes were calculated by micro computed tomography (μCT).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Intratracheal administration was successfully performed in 20/21 fetuses. Analysis by confocal microscopy demonstrated that 3 mL, and not 1 mL, most efficiently targeted all lung lobes. On high-resolution μCT, total airway volume was estimated at 2.9 mL; strengthening that 3 mL is appropriate to target all lung lobes. No procedural damage was evidenced in the lungs or trachea.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intratracheal injection of nanoparticles is feasible in the pregnant pig and does not cause procedural lung damage. Using an injection volume of 3 mL, all lung lobes were efficiently targeted. This nanoparticle delivery model to fetal airways opens perspectives for therapeutic interventions. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
authors: Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Marianne S
authors: MS
authors: Carlon
authors: Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ System Cluster, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.|Clinical Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division Woman and Child, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Alexander C
authors: AC
authors: Engels
authors: Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ System Cluster, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.|Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Barbara
authors: B
authors: Bosch
authors: Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ System Cluster, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Luc
authors: L
authors: Joyeux
authors: Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ System Cluster, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Marina G M C
authors: MG
authors: Mori da Cunha
authors: Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Dragana
authors: D
authors: Vidović
authors: Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Zeger
authors: Z
authors: Debyser
authors: Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Kris
authors: K
authors: De Boeck
authors: Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Algology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Arne
authors: A
authors: Neyrinck
authors: Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ System Cluster, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. jan.deprest@uzleuven.be.|Clinical Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division Woman and Child, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. jan.deprest@uzleuven.be.
authors: Jan A
authors: JA
authors: Deprest
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005332:Fetoscopy; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007267:Injections; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D055370:Lung Injury / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D034421:Sus scrofa; D013552:Swine; D014132:Trachea; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography
chemical_list: D005456:Fluorescent Dyes