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A Quick Method to Assess Airway Distensibility in Mice
Rebecka Gill1, Magali Boucher1, Cyndi Henry1
1Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ)-Université Laval, 2725, Chemin Sainte-Foy, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada.
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|April 15, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a novel method to measure airway distensibility in mice. This technique reveals differences in airway function across mouse strains and sexes, and its sensitivity to smooth muscle contraction.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Physiology
- Respiratory Mechanics
- Animal Models in Research
Background:
- Airway distensibility is crucial for understanding airway stiffening.
- Current methods for measuring airway distensibility in mice are limited.
- A swift and accurate method is needed to assess airway caliber and wall properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel method for measuring airway distensibility in mice.
- To assess the influence of mouse strain and sex on airway distensibility.
- To confirm the method's sensitivity to changes in airway smooth muscle tone.
Main Methods:
- Lungs from BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice underwent stepwise pressure changes.
- Oscillometric perturbation measured impedance spectra at each pressure step.
- Constant-phase model fitted to derive Newtonian conductance (GN) as a surrogate for airway caliber.
Main Results:
- Newtonian conductance (GN) increased with pressure, validating its use as an index.
- Airway distensibility differed between BALB/c and C57BL/6 strains.
- Sex-dependent variations in airway distensibility were observed, varying by strain.
- Methacholine infusion decreased airway distensibility, confirming smooth muscle sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- A novel, swift method for measuring mouse airway distensibility was successfully developed.
- Airway distensibility is influenced by mouse strain and sex.
- The method is sensitive to airway smooth muscle contraction, offering insights into airway stiffening mechanisms.
