A baboon model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia: I. Clinical features

Abstract

Investigation in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) has been seriously hampered by the lack of a suitable animal model. The consistent development of BPD in preterm baboons ( Papio cynocephalus) with hyaline membrane disease (HMD) who were treated with 95–100% inspired oxygen and supported with mechanical ventilation for more than 1 week is reported. One term (173 days) and nine preterm (134–147 days) pregnancies were delivered by cesarean section with birth weights 495–988 g. Amniotic fluid lecithin: sphingomyelin (L/S) ratios ranged from 0.47 to 1.00. The six animals with L/S ratios ⩽ 0.62 developed HMD. The clinical and radiologic course was indistinguishable from HMD in preterm humans. HMD was confirmed pathologically in two animals dying acutely. One of the remaining four was supported with supplemental oxygen as needed and remains a long-term survivor of HMD. The other three were maintained in 95–100% oxygen. A clinical and radiographic picture similar to that of human BPD developed in each and was pathologically confirmed. The preterm baboon appears to be a suitable animal model for investigation of the etiology, pathophysiology, prevention, therapy, and long-term sequelae of HMD and BPD.