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Updated: May 2, 2026
Automated Measurement of Pulmonary Emphysema and Small Airway Remodeling in Cigarette Smoke-exposed Mice
Published on: January 16, 2015
A new experimental model of cigarette smoke-induced emphysema in Wistar rats
Rodrigo de las Heras Kozma1, Edson Marcelino Alves2, Valter Abraão Barbosa-de-Oliveira1
1University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, Graduate Student. University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Objective:
To describe a new murine model of cigarette smoke-induced emphysema.
Methods:
Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: the cigarette smoke group, comprising 12 rats exposed to smoke from 12 commercial filter cigarettes three times a day (a total of 36 cigarettes per day) every day for 30 weeks; and the control group, comprising 12 rats exposed to room air three times a day every day for 30 weeks. Lung function was assessed by mechanical ventilation, and emphysema was morphometrically assessed by measurement of the mean linear intercept (Lm).
Results:
The mean weight gain was significantly (approximately ten times) lower in the cigarette smoke group than in the control group. The Lm was 25.0% higher in the cigarette smoke group. There was a trend toward worsening of lung function parameters in the cigarette smoke group.
Conclusions:
The new murine model of cigarette smoke-induced emphysema and the methodology employed in the present study are effective and reproducible, representing a promising and economically viable option for use in studies investigating the pathophysiology of and therapeutic approaches to COPD.
