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Intraalveolar bubbles and bubble films: II. Formation in vivo through adulthood
E M Scarpelli1, A J Mautone, D O DeFouw
1Perinatology Center, Cornell University College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
The Anatomical Record
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Intra-alveolar bubbles and bubble films are essential components of normal lung architecture from birth through adulthood, maintaining aeration and structural integrity across all lung volumes. These structures expand and contract with breathing, crucial for lung function.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary physiology
- Cell biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Intra-alveolar bubbles and bubble films are present in rabbit lungs from birth.
- The intraluminal boundary between airway gas and alveolar bubbles forms within an hour after birth.
- This study investigates lung development beyond the initial 2 days of extrauterine life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the presence and characteristics of intra-alveolar bubbles and bubble films in developing rabbit lungs.
- To understand the role of these structures in lung architecture and function throughout development.
- To investigate how bubbles and films respond to lung volume changes and surface conditions.
Main Methods:
- Anesthetized rabbits underwent aortic transection and tracheal occlusion at functional residual capacity (FRC) or after volume expansion (V20, V25).
- Lungs were immediately examined in situ using a dissecting stereomicroscope.
- Further protocols involved subpleural incision, inflation/deflation maneuvers, and surface rehydration/drying.
Main Results:
- Bubbles were observed in all aerated alveoli across all ages and temperatures.
- Common bubbles (30-120 microns) constituted ~84% of the population, with smaller bubbles (~16%) being contracted common bubbles.
- Bubbles exhibited mobility, changed size with inflation/deflation, altered shape with surface moisture, and contained normal surfactant.
Conclusions:
- Bubbles and bubble films are fundamental to normal aerated alveolar architecture from birth to adulthood.
- They serve as infrastructure, sustaining aeration and resisting deformation.
- These structures form a network that modulates liquid balance and maintains integrity during breathing cycles.