Glucocorticoid induced impairment of lung structure assessed by digital image analysis
Publisher DOI
PubMed ID
11808877
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GC) are successfully applied in neonatology to improve lung maturation in preterm born babies. Animal studies show that GC can also impair lung development. In this investigation, we used a new approach based on digital image analysis. Microscopic images of lung parenchyma were skeletonised and the geometrical properties of the septal network characterised by analysing the 'skeletal' parameters. Inhibition of the process of alveolarisation after extensive administration of small doses of GC in newborn rats was confirmed by significant changes in the 'skeletal' parameters. The induced structural changes in the lung parenchyma were still present after 60 days in adult rats, clearly indicating a long lasting or even definitive impairment of lung development and maturation caused by GC. Conclusion: digital image analysis and skeletonisation proved to be a highly suited approach to assess structural changes in lung parenchyma.
Date Issued
2000-10
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
Subjects
Digital image analysis
•
Glucocorticoids
•
Lung
•
Microscopy
•
Morphometry
Language(s)
en
Additional Credits
Journal
European journal of pediatrics
Publisher
Springer
ISSN
0340-6199
Access(Rights)
open.access