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Functional Lung Imaging Identifies Peripheral Ventilation Changes in ꞵ-ENaC Mice
Nicole Reyne1,2,3, Ronan Smith1,2,3, Patricia Cmielewski1,2,3
1Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)
|February 25, 2025
Summary
The beta-epithelial sodium channel transgenic (β-ENaC-Tg) mouse model exhibits significant lung function impairments, including increased ventilation defects and parenchymal damage. X-ray velocimetry and flexiVent analyses reveal critical insights into muco-obstructive lung disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary physiology and disease modeling.
- Respiratory system mechanics.
- Medical imaging and diagnostics.
Background:
- Beta-epithelial sodium channel transgenic (β-ENaC-Tg) mice model muco-obstructive lung disease and emphysema.
- These mice exhibit impaired mucociliary clearance, mucus obstruction, chronic inflammation, and lung structure damage.
- Altered lung function is a hallmark of this disease model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive analysis of lung function and mechanics in adult β-ENaC-Tg mice.
- To evaluate the utility of X-ray velocimetry (XV) in assessing ventilation defects.
- To compare lung mechanics using flexiVent in β-ENaC-Tg and wild-type mice.
Main Methods:
- X-ray velocimetry (XV) scans were performed on adult β-ENaC-Tg and wild-type littermates.
- Lung function assessments were conducted using a flexiVent system for comparative lung mechanics.
- Spatial analysis of ventilation maps was employed to assess regional lung function.
Main Results:
- XV imaging revealed elevated ventilation defect percentage, mean specific ventilation, and ventilation heterogeneity in β-ENaC-Tg mice.
- Spatial analysis showed increased ventilation variability and under-ventilated areas in peripheral lung regions.
- FlexiVent analysis demonstrated increased lung compliance, inspiratory capacity, and hysteresivity, with reduced tissue elastance in β-ENaC-Tg mice, indicating loss of parenchymal integrity.
Conclusions:
- This study provides a comprehensive lung function and mechanics analysis of the β-ENaC-Tg mouse model.
- X-ray velocimetry is highlighted as a valuable tool for evaluating ventilation defects in this model.
- Findings underscore the significant lung parenchymal and functional alterations in β-ENaC-Tg mice, relevant for muco-obstructive lung disease research.
