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Animal models of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The term rat models
Megan O'Reilly1, Bernard Thébaud2
1Department of Pediatrics and Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; and.
Insights
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease in premature infants. Rat models are crucial for understanding BPD and developing new treatments for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a significant complication affecting extremely preterm infants, despite advances in perinatal care.
- The increasing survival of very preterm infants presents greater challenges in supporting lung growth and preventing lung injury.
- BPD remains a common issue in premature neonates, with a lack of targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the utility of the rat model in studying Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
- To summarize research applications, advantages, and limitations of using rats for BPD modeling.
- To highlight recent therapeutic advancements for BPD derived from rat model studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on rat models for Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
- Analysis of research studies utilizing rats to investigate BPD pathogenesis and treatment.
- Synthesis of findings on the benefits and drawbacks of the rat model in BPD research.
Main Results:
- The rat model offers valuable insights into the mechanisms of BPD.
- Specific research protocols and experimental designs using rats have been effective in simulating aspects of BPD.
- The model has facilitated the evaluation of several potential therapeutic strategies for BPD.
Conclusions:
- The rat model is a key tool for advancing BPD research and understanding.
- Continued use and refinement of the rat model are essential for developing effective BPD treatments.
- Therapeutic innovations stemming from rat studies show promise for improving outcomes in premature infants with BPD.
Abstract:
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the chronic lung disease of prematurity that affects very preterm infants. Although advances in perinatal care have enabled the survival of infants born as early as 23-24 wk of gestation, the challenge of promoting lung growth while protecting the ever more immature lung from injury is now bigger. Consequently, BPD remains one of the most common complications of extreme prematurity and still lacks specific treatments. Progress in our understanding of BPD and the potential of developing therapeutic strategies have arisen from large (baboons, sheep, and pigs) and small (rabbits, rats, and mice) animal models. This review focuses specifically on the use of the rat to model BPD and summarizes how the model is used in various research studies and the advantages and limitations of this particular model, and it highlights recent therapeutic advances in BPD by using this rat model.
