ABSTRACT

• Experimental tracheal ligation (TL) has been shown to reverse the pulmonary hypoplasia associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and to normalize gas exchange. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the TL would correct the surfactant deficiency present in the fetal rabbit model of CDH by using lamellar body count. Lamellar bodies are synthesized and secreted by the type II pneumocytes of fetal lung. The phospholipids present in these bodies constitute the major component of pulmonary surfactant. Twenty-one pregnant New Zealand rabbits underwent hysterotomy and fetal surgery on gestational day 24. Two fetuses of each pregnant rabbit were operated. In the fetus of one end of bicornuate uterus, left DH was created by excision of fetal diaphragm through open thoracotomy (DH Group). In the fetus of the other end of bicornuate uterus, left DH and TL were created (TL Group). The fetuses were delivered by Cesarean section on gestational day 31. Fourteen in control group, 12 in the DH group and 13 in TL group were born alive. En bloc excision of lungs, bronchi and trachea was done in all newborn rabbits. A five Fr catheter was inserted through trachea and repeated irrigations with 10 cc normal saline were done. The irrigated fluid was centrifuged at 280 xg for 5 minutes and the lamellar bodies were counted with the upper level fluid in platelet channel of electronic cell counter. The average lamellar body counts were 37.1 ± 14.2 × 10³/µL in control group, 11.5 ± 4.4 × 10³/#x00B5;L in DH group, and 6.5± 0.9 × 10³/#x00B5;L in TL group. Lamellar body count in DH group was lower than in control group and did not increase after TL. This study shows TL has no therapeutic effect on decreased surfactant level of CDH and the pregnant rabbit is appropriate for the animal model of CDH.
• Keywords: Lamellar body; Tracheal ligation; Congenital diaphragmatic hernia; Fetal surgery; Animal model