Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in a Rat Model Induced by Intra-amniotic Inflammation and Postnatal Hyperoxia: Morphometric Aspects

Antenatal inflammation is a known risk factor of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The authors hypothesized that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration amplifies hyperoxia-induced lung injury in neonatal rats. LPS (0.5 or 1.0 mu g) or normal saline was injected into the amniotic sacs of pregnant rats at 20 d gestation (term 22.5 d). After birth, rats were exposed to 85% oxygen or room air for 1 or 2 wk. Morphometric analysis of lungs was performed on 14 d. One week of hyperoxia without LPS administration resulted in modest lung injury. LPS at 0.5 mu g alone did not alter lung morphology, but amplified the effect of 1 wk of hyperoxia resulting in marked inhibition of alveolarization (airspaces were enlarged and alveolar surface areas further reduced). LPS at 1.0 mu g independently induced modest lung injury and also amplified the effect of 1 wk of hyperoxia. However, this sensitizing effect of LPS was not observed in rats subjected to 2 wks of hyperoxia, which in itself caused extensive lung injury (possibly masking the effect of LPS). The authors concluded that intra-amniotic LPS sensitizes neonatal rat lungs, and thus, amplifies the hyperoxia-induced inhibition of alveolarization. (Pediatr Res 65: 323-327, 2009)