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Isolated perfused dog lungs: a comparative stereologic comparison with normal dog lungs
The American Journal of Anatomy
|March 1, 1978
Summary
Isolated dog lungs show decreased capillary and alveolar surface density due to endothelial cell swelling and thickened epithelial cells. These morphologic changes impact physiological studies using these lung models.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary physiology
- Cell biology
- Stereology
Background:
- Isolated perfused lung models are crucial for physiological research.
- Understanding structural integrity in these models is essential for accurate data interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the morphologic integrity of isolated dog lungs perfused with plasma.
- To compare morphometric data between isolated and in-situ fixed dog lungs.
Main Methods:
- Stereologic techniques were employed for morphometric analysis.
- Isolated dog lungs were perfused with plasma for 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours.
- Data was compared to lungs fixed immediately after explantation.
Main Results:
- Significant decreases in capillary surface and volume densities were observed in isolated lungs.
- Alveolar surface density decreased, with increased thickness of type-I epithelial cells.
- Endothelial cell swelling contributed to decreased capillary volume density; no interstitial edema was found.
Conclusions:
- Morphologic alterations occur in isolated perfused dog lungs, including capillary and alveolar changes.
- These structural modifications, particularly endothelial cell swelling, must be considered when interpreting physiological data.
- The findings provide a morphologic basis for estimating endothelial permeability in isolated lung preparations.