Elastic properties of the excised lungs of NZB/W mice and their correlation with histopathologic changes

Lung volume and the pressure-volume (PV) relationships of the lung were determined in excised lungs of an animal model of human systemic lupus erythematosus, which develops in NZB/W mice, and correlated with histopathologic changes. In young, 4-month-old NZB/W mice, and in nonautoimmune BALB/c mice at any age, there were minimal histologic changes or alterations in lung function. The NZB/W mice developed histologic changes with aging. Perivascular, peribronchial, and interstitial changes developed and were associated with a significant reduction in total lung capacity as well as changes in the pressure-volume characteristics of the lung, which are compatible with a restrictive process.