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Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique
Published on: May 15, 2013
Murine mechanical ventilation stimulates alveolar epithelial cell proliferation
Patricia Rose Chess1, Randi Potter Benson, William M Maniscalco
1Departments of Pediatrics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14642, USA. patricia chess@urmc.rochester.edu
Experimental Lung Research
|July 27, 2010
Summary
Mechanical ventilation using high tidal volumes can cause lung inflammation. This study found that even clinically used tidal volumes stimulate lung epithelial cell proliferation without increasing cell death.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Cell Biology
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- High tidal volume mechanical ventilation is associated with lung inflammation and injury.
- Mechanical strain is crucial for normal lung development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if clinically relevant tidal volumes during mechanical ventilation stimulate lung cell proliferation.
- To assess the inflammatory and proliferative responses in the lung following mechanical ventilation.
Main Methods:
- Mice were mechanically ventilated for 6 hours with a tidal volume of 10 mL/kg and PEEP of 3 cmH2O.
- Pulmonary function, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and lung tissue were analyzed for inflammation and cell proliferation markers.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to identify proliferating alveolar type II cells.
Main Results:
- Ventilation led to decreased lung compliance within 3 hours.
- BAL analysis showed no significant increase in cell counts, protein, or lactate dehydrogenase, but revealed increased lymphocytes and neutrophils.
- Lung tissue exhibited increased inflammatory markers (MIP-2, IL-1beta) and significant proliferation of alveolar type II cells (PCNA, Ki67 positive, proSP-B positive), with no increase in apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Mechanical ventilation at clinically utilized tidal volumes induces a mild inflammatory response in the lung.
- Ventilation stimulates alveolar epithelial cell proliferation, specifically in alveolar type II cells, without increasing apoptosis.
