Morphometry and allometry of the postnatal lung development in the quokka wallaby ( Setonix brachyurus): a light microscopic study

The postnatally developing lungs of the quokka wallaby, Setonix brachyurus, were investigated macroscopically and by light microscopic morphometry. Lung, parenchymal and non-parenchymal volumes as well as the components of the latter two were analysed by regression analysis. The lungs comprised a si...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Respiratory physiology & neurobiology 2003-02, Vol.134 (1), p.43-55
Main Authors: Makanya, A.N., Haenni, B., Burri, P.H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Air breathing
Animals
Animals, Newborn
Biological and medical sciences
Body Mass Index
Development, postnatal, lung
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Lung - anatomy & histology
Lung - cytology
Lung - growth & development
Lung Volume Measurements - methods
Macropodidae - anatomy & histology
Macropodidae - growth & development
Marsupial, quokka wallaby ( Setonix brachyurus)
Morphometry, lung
Respiratory system: anatomy, metabolism, gas exchange, ventilatory mechanics, respiratory hemodynamics
Vertebrates: respiratory system
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Summary:The postnatally developing lungs of the quokka wallaby, Setonix brachyurus, were investigated macroscopically and by light microscopic morphometry. Lung, parenchymal and non-parenchymal volumes as well as the components of the latter two were analysed by regression analysis. The lungs comprised a single undivided left lung and a right lung with an adherent accessory lobe. Septal tissue growth was most remarkable in the canalicular and saccular stages. Between mid-canalicular stage and the saccular stage, the lung volume increased 2-fold, mainly due to airspace expansion, coupled with septal tissue thinning. The non-parenchymal vascular volume increase accelerated in the successive developmental stages while the airway and connective tissue volumes progressed in a decreasing order, being highest in the canalicular and saccular stages and lowest in the alveolar stage. Growth and remodelling of the alveolar septa occurred simultaneously with airspace subdivision. Airspace expansion accelerated during the stage of microvascular maturation, when most other parameters showed the least rate of increase.
ISSN:1569-9048
1878-1519
DOI:10.1016/S1569-9048(02)00204-5