Abstract
ABSTRACT: Pulmonary hypoplasia has been associated with absent or hypoplastic pulmonary artery in four cases in humans. Despite these reports, the effects of decreased pulmonary arterial flow on fetal lung growth have not been adequately studied. This study defines the effects of left pulmonary artery (LPA) ligation on fetal lung growth in sheep by comparing morphometrically determined pulmonary volumes from LPA-ligated, sham-operated, and unoperated control fetuses. LPA ligation (n = 5) or sham operation (n = 4) was performed at 105- to 114-d gestation. At 140-d gestation these fetuses were delivered and the lungs were intratracheally fixed for light microscopy. At 112 d (n = 4) and at 140 d (n = 4), unoperated control fetuses were similarly delivered. Absolute pulmonary volumes were then measured using standard stereologic methods. Normal growth of the left lung from 112 to 140 d resulted in significant increases in wet and dry wt, displacement volume, and volumes of future airspace and capillary contents. LPA ligation caused significant decreases in left lung wet and dry wt, displacement volume, and in absolute volumes of fine nonparenchyma, future airspace, parenchymal tissue, and capillary contents compared to sham-operated and 140-d controls. Parenchymal tissue volume was also less than in 112-d controls. In addition, lung wt, displacement volume, and future airspace volume were significantly decreased in sham-operated fetuses compared to 140-d controls. The effects of LPA ligation on bronchial collateral circulation and factors known to affect lung growth (i.e. lung fluid volume) remain to be determined. Clearly, during the canalicular and alveolar stage of fetal lung development, pulmonary arterial flow is necessary for normal lung growth.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wallen, L., Perry, S., Alston, J. et al. Morphometric Study of the Role of Pulmonary Arterial Flow in Fetal Lung Growth in Sheep. Pediatr Res 27, 122–127 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199002000-00004
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199002000-00004
This article is cited by
-
Clinical implication of lung fluid balance in the perinatal period
Journal of Perinatology (2011)