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Published on: October 31, 2012
Intrapulmonary perfluorooctyl bromide instillation in fetal rabbits
Oliver J Muensterer1, Verena J Klis, Holger Till
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, University of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany. oliver.muensterer@med.uni-muenchen.de
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|July 22, 2005
Summary
Perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) instillation into fetal rabbit lungs showed it remains in the lungs, potentially causing alveolar distension. Safety and distribution were evaluated in this study.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal medicine
- Fetal lung development
- Radiology
Background:
- Instilling perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) into the fetal lung may cause alveolar distension.
- Understanding PFOB's effects is crucial for potential therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety of perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) instillation into fetal rabbit lungs.
- To determine the radiographic distribution and tissue concentration of PFOB in fetal and maternal New Zealand white rabbits.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant New Zealand white rabbits (day 27) underwent intratracheal PFOB instillation in fetuses with or without tracheal ligation, or served as controls.
- Fetal lung/body weight ratios, PFOB distribution via radiography, and lung water content were analyzed.
- PFOB concentrations in maternal and fetal tissues were quantified using gas chromatography.
Main Results:
- Higher PFOB recovery was observed in ligated (25%) versus unligated (9%) fetal lungs.
- Extrapulmonary PFOB was detected in the fetal brain but not other maternal or fetal tissues.
- PFOB partially displaced fetal lung water, and fetal survival rates were similar across groups.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal intrapulmonary PFOB instillation results in lung retention, even without tracheal ligation.
- PFOB may exert alveolar distending pressure following prenatal instillation.
- The study provides insights into PFOB's safety and distribution in the fetal lung.
