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In vivo characterization of lung morphology and function in anesthetized free-breathing mice using micro-computed
N L Ford1, E L Martin, J F Lewis
1Robarts Research Institute, London, ON, Canada N6A5K8. nford@imaging.robarts.ca
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|January 27, 2007
Summary
This study introduces respiratory-gated micro-CT for free-breathing rodents, enabling noninvasive lung structure and function analysis. This method captures natural respiratory mechanics, crucial for studying rodent models of lung disease.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Animal Models
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) monitors human lung health.
- Rodent models are vital for studying human respiratory diseases.
- Current rodent lung imaging often uses forced ventilation, which can alter natural respiratory dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement a respiratory-gated micro-CT method for anesthetized, free-breathing rodents.
- To enable noninvasive monitoring of rodent lung structure and function.
- To overcome limitations of ventilator-dependent imaging in animal models.
Main Methods:
- Respiratory-gated micro-CT imaging was performed on anesthetized, free-breathing mice.
- Quantitative analysis of lung structure, including airway diameters, lung and airway volumes, and CT densities, was conducted.
- Functional parameters like tidal volume and functional residual capacity were calculated from the imaging data.
Main Results:
- High-resolution micro-CT images of free-breathing rodent lungs were obtained.
- Quantitative measurements of lung and airway structure were successfully performed.
- Natural respiratory parameters, including tidal volume (0.09 ± 0.03 ml) and functional residual capacity (0.16 ± 0.03 ml), were calculated.
Conclusions:
- Respiratory-gated micro-CT is a viable noninvasive method for assessing rodent lung structure and function.
- This technique allows for the study of natural respiratory mechanics in rodent models of lung disease.
- The method provides clinically relevant insights into lung physiology and disease progression in animal models.
