Experimental models of acute lung injury in the newborns

Acute lung injury in the preterm newborns can originate from prematurity of the lung and insufficient synthesis of pulmonary surfactant. This situation is known as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). In the term neonates, the respiratory insufficiency is related to a secondary inactivation of the pulmonary surfactant, for instance, by action of endotoxins in bacterial pneumonia or by effects of aspirated meconium. The use of experimental models of the mentioned situations provides new information on the pathophysiology of these disorders and offers unique possibility to test novel therapeutic approaches in the conditions which are very similar to the clinical syndromes. Herewith we review the advantages and limitations of the use of experimental models of RDS and meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) and their value for clinics.