Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis

Description

The radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis model is induced by targeting a dose of radiation specifically to the thorax of a mouse, developing disease over the course of 4-6 months. While fibrosis is slow to develop in this model, changes in lung function can be detected as early as 8 weeks post-irradiation. After being anesthetized, a single dose of radiation is targeted to the thorax, while the remainder of the body is protected with a lead shield. Animals are evaluated daily for body weight and respiratory status. After animals are sacrificed, lung weight, collagen content and fibrosis scores are determined.

Model Systems
  • C57Bl/6 Mice
Standard Readouts
  • Percent weight change
  • Lung weight
  • Terminal histopathology and/or IHC analyses
  • Lung mechanics
  • Lung collagen content
Additional Readouts
  • BAL total and differential cell counts
  • BAL fluid and lung cytokines
  • Lung immunophenotyping
  • Wheel running
  • Custom assays
Representative DataClick Image to Enlarge
Functional Lung Measurements in Radiation-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis

Lung mechanics are measured at either 4, 8, 12, or 16 weeks following administration of 20 Gy of radiation targeted to the thorax using a flexiVent mechanical ventilator. After 16 weeks, lung elastance (Ers) and tissue elastance (H) are increased in animals that received targeted radiation to the thorax.

BAL Total and Differential Cell Counts in Radiation-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis

Total cells and neutrophils recovered in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid at week 16 of a radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis model.

Wheel Running Activity in Radiation-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis

Animals are singly housed with a running wheel following administration of 20 Gy of radiation targeted to the thorax on Day 0. Daily distance traveled on the running wheel is recorded.

Daniel Lichtman

Managing Partner