Growth of pulmonary circulation in normal pig--structural analysis and cardiopulmonary function

J Appl Physiol Respir Environ Exerc Physiol. 1978 Nov;45(5):806-17. doi: 10.1152/jappl.1978.45.5.806.

Abstract

Morphometric analysis of the postnatal development of the pig lung, with emphasis on alveoli and vessels, shows features of growth similar to man, but occurring at a much faster rate in the pig, which telescopes in the first 3 mo the changes seen in human childhood and adolescence. During the first weeks, arteries (birth to 2 wk) and alveoli (1--12 wk) increase in number, whereas increase in size continues until adulthood. Wall thickness decreases soon after birth in arteries 15--200 micrometer, and by 8 wk in those 200-1,000 micrometer. At this age the adult left ventricular predominance in weight is already present. Throughout growth the venous wall thickness does not change. Cardiopulmonary function studies in pigs, from 2 to 16 wk, show that, during the period of rapid postnatal lung growth, there is no change in tidal volume, dynamic compliance, and thoracic gas volume as related to body weight; right ventricular and pulmonary arterial pressures also remain unchanged, whereas pulmonary vascular resistance decreases during the 1st mo.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Arteries / growth & development
  • Bronchi / growth & development
  • Female
  • Lung / blood supply
  • Lung / growth & development*
  • Lung / physiology
  • Male
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / growth & development
  • Pulmonary Circulation
  • Respiration
  • Swine / growth & development*
  • Veins / growth & development