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Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an atypical bacterial respiratory pathogen known to cause a range of airway inflammation and lung and extrapulmonary pathologies. We recently reported that an M. pneumoniae -derived ADP-ribosylating and vacuolating toxin called community-acquired respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) toxin is capable of triggering NLRP3 (NLR-family, leucine-rich repeat protein 3) inflammasome activation and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) secretion in macrophages. However, it is unclear whether the NLRP3 inflammasome is important for the immune response during M. pneumoniae acute infection. In the current study, we utilized in vitro and in vivo models of M. pneumoniae infection to characterize the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome during acute infection. M. pneumoniae- infected macrophages deficient for inflammasome components NLRP3, ASC (apoptosis speck-like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain), or caspase-1 failed to process and secrete IL-1β. The MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway was found to be critical for proinflammatory gene expression in macrophages infected with M. pneumoniae . C57BL/6 mice deficient for NLRP3 expression were unable to produce IL-1β in the airways during acute infection, and lack of this inflammatory response led to deficient immune cell activation and delayed bacterial clearance. These findings are the first to report the importance of the NLRP3 inflammasome in regulating the inflammatory response and influencing the progression of M. pneumoniae during acute infection.

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: The aims of this study are (1) to develop and characterize a novel nonhuman primate model of pneumococcal pneumonia that mimics human disease; and (2) determine whether Streptococcus pneumoniae can: (a) translocate to the heart, (b) cause adverse cardiac events, (c) induce cardiomyocyte death, and (d) lead to scar formation during severe pneumonia in baboons. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Six adult baboons (Papio cynocephalus) were surgically tethered to a monitoring system to continuously assess their heart rate, temperature, and electrocardiogram (ECG). A baseline transthoracic echocardiogram, 12-lead ECG, serum troponin-I levels, brain natriuretic peptide, and heart-type fatty acid binding protein (HFABP) levels were obtained before infection and at the end of the experiment to determine cardiovascular damage during pneumococcal pneumonia. Animals were challenged with 108 colony-forming units of S. pneumoniae in the right middle lobe using flexible bronchoscopy. Three baboons were rescued with ampicillin therapy (80 mg/kg/d) after the development of pneumonia. Cardiac damage was confirmed by examination of tissue sections using immunohistochemistry as well as electron and fluorescence microscopy. Western-blots and tissue staining were used to determine the presence of necroptosis (RIP3 and pMLKL) and apoptosis (Caspase-3) in the cardiac tissue. Cytokine and chemokine levels in the heart tissue were determined using Luminex technology. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Four males (57%) and three (43%) females were challenged. The median age of all baboons was 11 (IQR, 10-19) years old, which corresponds to a middle-aged human. Infected baboons consistently developed severe pneumonia. All animals developed systemic inflammatory response syndrome with tachycardia, tachypnea, fever, and leukocytosis. Infection was characterized by initial leukocytosis followed by severe leukopenia on day 3 postinoculation. Non-specific ischemic alterations by ECG (ST segment and T-wave flattering) and in the premortem echocardiogram were observed. The median (IQR) levels of troponin I and HFABP at the end of the experiment were 3550 ng/mL (1717–5383) and 916.9 ng/mL (520.8–1323), respectively. Severe cardiomyopathy was observed using TEM and H&E stains in animals with severe pneumonia. Necroptosis was detected in cardiomyocytes of infected animals by the presence of pMLKL and RIP3 in cardiac tissues. Signs of cardiac remodeling indicated by disorganized collagen deposition was present in rescued animals but not in the other animals. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: We confirmed that baboons experience cardiac injury during severe pneumococcal pneumonia that is characterized by myocardial invasion, activation of necroptosis, and tissue remodeling in animals rescued by antimicrobial therapy. Cardiac damage by invading pneumococci may explain why adverse cardiac events that occur during and after pneumococcal pneumonia in adult human patients.

Rationale Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia and infectious death in adults worldwide. A non-human primate model is needed to study the molecular mechanisms that underlie the development of severe pneumonia, identify diagnostic tools, explore potential therapeutic targets, and test clinical interventions during pneumococcal pneumonia. Objective To develop a non-human primate model of pneumococcal pneumonia. Methods Seven adult baboons (Papio cynocephalus) were surgically tethered to a continuous monitoring system that recorded heart rate, temperature, and electrocardiography. Animals were inoculated with 109 colony-forming units of S. pneumoniae using bronchoscopy. Three baboons were rescued with intravenous ampicillin therapy. Pneumonia was diagnosed using lung ultrasonography and ex vivo confirmation by histopathology and immunodetection of pneumococcal capsule. Organ failure, using serum biomarkers and quantification of bacteremia, was assessed daily. Results Challenged animals developed signs and symptoms of pneumonia 4 days after infection. Infection was characterized by the presence of cough, tachypnea, dyspnea, tachycardia and fever. All animals developed leukocytosis and bacteremia 24 hours after infection. A severe inflammatory reaction was detected by elevation of serum cytokines, including Interleukin (IL)1Ra, IL-6, and IL-8, after infection. Lung ultrasonography precisely detected the lobes with pneumonia that were later confirmed by pathological analysis. Lung pathology positively correlated with disease severity. Antimicrobial therapy rapidly reversed symptomology and reduced serum cytokines. Conclusions We have developed a novel animal model for severe pneumococcal pneumonia that mimics the clinical presentation, inflammatory response, and infection kinetics seen in humans. This is a novel model to test vaccines and treatments, measure biomarkers to diagnose pneumonia, and predict outcomes.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes acute and chronic lung infections in humans, leading to a variety of pulmonary and extrapulmonary sequelae. Of the airway complications of M. pneumoniae infection, M. pneumoniae-associated exacerbation of asthma and pediatric wheezing are emerging as significant sources of human morbidity. However, M. pneumoniae products capable of promoting allergic inflammation are unknown. Recently, we reported that M. pneumoniae produces an ADP-ribosylating and vacuolating toxin termed the community-acquired respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) toxin. Here we report that naive mice exposed to a single dose of recombinant CARDS (rCARDS) toxin respond with a robust inflammatory response consistent with allergic disease. rCARDS toxin induced 30-fold increased expression of the Th-2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 and 70- to 80-fold increased expression of the Th-2 chemokines CCL17 and CCL22, corresponding to a mixed cellular inflammatory response comprised of a robust eosinophilia, accumulation of T cells and B cells, and mucus metaplasia. The inflammatory responses correlate temporally with toxin-dependent increases in airway hyperreactivity characterized by increases in airway restriction and decreases in lung compliance. Furthermore, CARDS toxin-mediated changes in lung function and histopathology are dependent on CD4(+) T cells. Altogether, the data suggest that rCARDS toxin is capable of inducing allergic-type inflammation in naive animals and may represent a causal factor in M. pneumoniae-associated asthma.

Repeated courses of antenatal steroids in women at risk of preterm delivery have beneficial effects on lung maturation, but concern exists about the effects on brain development. We aimed to determine whether repeated courses of corticosteroids increased the risk of neuropathology as compared with single courses or no treatment.Single-course animals received a 6-mg dose of steroids at 123 and 124 d of gestation (dg; term, 185 dg; n = 6). Repeated-course animals received additional doses at 137 and 138 dg (n = 7). Controls received no steroids (n = 5). Baboons delivered naturally at term and necropsy was performed. Brains were assessed histologically for parameters of development and neuropathology.Body weights did not differ between the groups (P0.05); neither did brain/body weight ratio. Density of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunoreactive (IR) astrocytes in white matter (WM) was increased in the single- (P0.05) and repeated-course (P0.01) groups as compared with controls. Density of myelin basic protein (MBP)-IR oligodendrocytes was reduced in the repeated-course animals as compared with both the control and single-course groups (P0.05); oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 (Olig2)-IR showed no difference between groups.Repeated courses of antenatal corticosteroids have effects on myelination in the developing nonhuman primate brain, which should be taken into account when determining a dosing regimen.

Background Umbilical artery catheter (UAC) use is common in the management of critically ill neonates; however, little information exists regarding the anatomic and vascular effects of UAC placement in premature newborns. Methods and Results Baboons were delivered at 125 d of gestation (term = 185 d), treated with surfactant, had UACs placed, and were ventilated for either 6 d or 14 d. Animals were assigned to short-term (6 d, n = 6) and long-term (14 d, n = 30) UAC placement. At necropsy, aortas were removed with UACs still in place. Histological examination of upper, middle, and lower aorta specimens stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunolabelled to detect smooth muscle (α-actin) was done in a blinded manner. Controls were delivered at 125d, 140d, and 185d and the aortas acquired immediately after birth. None of the non-catheterized control animals (125 d, n = 4; 140 d, n = 5; 185 d, n = 5) had aortic vessel thrombi or vascular wall abnormalities. All 6 animals with short-term (6/6, 100%) and 18 animals with long-term (18/30, 60%) UAC placement displayed aortic thrombi and neointimal proliferation of the vascular wall. The majority (60%) of analyzed animals with UAC placement displaying neointimal hyperplasia were immunopositive for α-actin, indicating the presence of smooth muscle in these lesions. Conclusion Our findings suggest that both short- and long-term UAC use is associated with aortic wall pathological abnormalities compared to control animals. This study emphasizes the judicious use and early removal of UACs if possible in order to potentially prevent significant hemostatic and aortic wall vascular complications.

OBJECTIVE. Using the 125-day baboon model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia treated with prenatal steroid and exogenous surfactant, we hypothesized that a delay of extubation from low tidal volume positive pressure ventilation to nasal continuous positive airway pressure at 5 days (delayed nasal continuous positive airway pressure group) would not induce more lung injury when compared with baboons aggressively weaned to nasal continuous positive airway pressure at 24 hours (early nasal continuous positive airway pressure group), because both received positive pressure ventilation.METHODS AND RESULTS. After delivery by cesarean section at 125 days (term: 185 days), infants received 2 doses of Curosurf (Chiesi Farmaceutica S.p.A., Parma, Italy) and daily caffeine citrate. The delay in extubation to 5 days resulted in baboons in the delayed nasal continuous positive airway pressure group having a lower arterial to alveolar oxygen ratio, high Paco2, and worse respiratory function. The animals in the delayed nasal continuous positive airway pressure group exhibited a poor respiratory drive that contributed to more reintubations and time on mechanical ventilation. A few animals in both groups developed necrotizing enterocolitis and/or sepsis, but infectious pneumonias were not documented. Cellular bronchiolitis and peribronchiolar alveolar wall thickening were more frequently seen in the delayed nasal continuous positive airway pressure group. Bronchoalveolar lavage levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 α, and growth-regulated oncogene-α were significantly increased in the delayed nasal continuous positive airway pressure group. Standard and digital morphometric analyses showed no significant differences in internal surface area and nodal measurements between the groups. Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule vascular staining was not significantly different between the 2 nasal continuous positive airway pressure groups.CONCLUSIONS. Volutrauma and/or low-grade colonization of airways secondary to increased reintubations and ventilation times are speculated to play causative roles in the delayed nasal continuous positive airway pressure group findings.

Nitric oxide (NO) serves multiple functions in the developing lung, and pulmonary NO production is decreased in a baboon model of chronic lung disease (CLD) after premature birth at 125 days (d) gestation (term = 185d). To determine whether postnatal NO administration alters the genesis of CLD, the effects of inhaled NO (iNO, 5 ppm) were assessed in the baboon model over 14d. iNO caused a decrease in pulmonary artery pressure in the first 2d and a greater rate of spontaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus, and lung compliance was greater and expiratory resistance was improved during the first week. With iNO, postmortem pressure-volume curves were shifted upward, lung DNA content and cell proliferation were increased, and lung growth was preserved to equal that which occurs during the same period in utero. In addition, the excessive elastin deposition characteristic of CLD was normalized by iNO, and there was evidence of stimulation of secondary crest development. Thus, in the baboon model of CLD, iNO improves early pulmonary function and alters lung growth and extracellular matrix deposition. As such, NO biosynthetic pathway dysfunction may contribute to the pathogenesis of CLD.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a leading cause of bacterial community-acquired pneumonia and is implicated in the initiation and exacerbation of asthma. Over 2 million cases of M. pneumoniae infection occur in the United States each year. However, with no surveillance system in place for reporting infections, the true scope of the problem may be vastly underestimated. One of the hallmark immunological effects of M. pneumoniae infection is an imbalanced Th1/Th2 response. A recently identified M. pneumoniae virulence factor is the Community-Acquired Respiratory Distress Syndrome (CARDS) toxin, an ADP-ribosylating and vacuolating protein produced abundantly during infection that is capable of provoking a Th2 cytokine phenotype in mice. We hypothesize that CARDS toxin is utilized by M. pneumoniae in vivo to dampen the Th1 response and influence the Th2 response in order to establish a strong, persistent infection. The clinical isolate strain M. pneumoniae S1 abundantly produces CARDS toxin during infection and causes severe pathology. We utilized S1 as a template to generate a CARDS-deficient mutant we designated M7. M7 and S1 were used in vitro and in vivo to identify Th1- and Th2-specific cytokine changes during active infection. We observed significant differences in pathology between M7- and S1-infected mice, indicating that CARDS toxin directly impacted M. pneumoniae disease and persistence. Our findings provide insights to understand the elusive pathological mechanisms behind M. pneumoniae infection and implicate CARDS toxin as a potentially important target for therapeutic intervention during M. pneumoniae infection.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes a range of airway and extrapulmonary pathologies in humans. Clinically, M. pneumoniae is associated with acute exacerbations of human asthma and a worsening of experimentally induced asthma in mice. Recently, we demonstrated that Community Acquired Respiratory Distress Syndrome (CARDS) toxin, an ADP-ribosylating and vacuolating toxin synthesized by M. pneumoniae, is sufficient to induce an asthma-like disease in BALB/cJ mice. To test the potential of CARDS toxin to exacerbate preexisting asthma, we examined inflammatory responses to recombinant CARDS toxin in an ovalbumin (OVA) murine model of asthma. Differences in pulmonary inflammatory responses between treatment groups were analyzed by histology, cell differentials and changes in cytokine and chemokine concentrations. Additionally, assessments of airway hyperreactivity were evaluated through direct pulmonary function measurements. Analysis of histology revealed exaggerated cellular inflammation with a strong eosinophilic component in the CARDS toxin-treated group. Heightened T-helper type-2 inflammatory responses were evidenced by increased expression of IL-4, IL-13, CCL17 and CCL22 corresponding with increased airway hyperreactivity in the CARDS toxin-treated mice. These data demonstrate that CARDS toxin can be a causal factor in the worsening of experimental allergic asthma, highlighting the potential importance of CARDS toxin in the etiology and exacerbation of human asthma.

Acute lung injury models demonstrate that high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) improves lung function, mechanics, and histopathology with reduced inflammatory mediators. Neither human HFOV trials nor premature animal studies have adequately evaluated these factors during prolonged HFOV. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of prolonged HFOV with low tidal volume (VT) positive pressure ventilation (LV-PPV) in an immature baboon model for neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD). After administration of prenatal steroids, 18 baboons were delivered by cesarean section at 125 d (term = 185 d), treated with exogenous surfactant, then randomized to either HFOV or LV-PPV by 5 min age. Animals were maintained on oxygen on an "as needed" basis and on nutritional support for 1 to 2 mo. Serial pulmonary function testing (PFT) was performed. Tracheal aspirates were analyzed for interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-1beta, and IL-10. Lungs were inflation fixed for morphometric analyses. From 12 h through 10 d age, HFOV animals had consistently lower fraction of inspired oxygen (FI(O(2))) and higher a/ A ratio. Pulmonary mechanics were significantly improved in HFOV animals at nearly every time point analyzed from 12 h to 28 d. There were no consistent differences in tracheal IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, or IL-10 after 24 h age. Higher tracheal IL-8 values and macrophage/monocyte numbers were found in LV-PPV animals after 1 wk and 3 to 4 wk ventilation. Both groups exhibited pulmonary pathologic lesions found in extremely immature humans, including alveolar hypoplasia, variable saccular wall fibrosis, and minimal airway disease. HFOV animals had significantly better lung inflation patterns by panel of standards analysis. Early, prolonged HFOV significantly improved early lung function with sustained improvement in pulmonary mechanics out to 28 d. Immature baboons managed with HFOV had less pulmonary inflammation in the hyaline membrane disease (HMD) recovery phase. Though enhanced alveolization was not observed, HFOV for 1 to 2 mo resulted in consistently more uniform lung inflation than LV-PPV.

A borderline viability model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)/chronic lung disease of infancy (CLD) with pathophysiologic parameters consistent with those in extremely immature humans with BPD/CLD is described. After prenatal steroid treatment of pregnant dams, 12 premature baboons were delivered by cesarean-section at 125 d (term gestation, 185 d), treated with exogenous surfactant, and maintained on appropriate oxygen and positive pressure ventilation for at least 1 to 2 mo. In spite of appropriate oxygenation (median FI(O(2)) at 28 d = 0.32; range, 0.21 to 0.50) and ventilatory strategies to prevent volutrauma, the baboons exhibited pulmonary pathologic lesions known to occur in extremely immature humans of less than 1,000 g: alveolar hypoplasia, variable saccular wall fibrosis, and minimal, if any, airway disease. The CLD baboon lungs showed significantly decreased alveolization and internal surface area measurements when compared with term and term + 2-mo air-breathing controls. A decrease in capillary vasculature was evident by PECAM staining, accompanied by dysmorphic changes. Significant elevations of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8 levels, but not of IL-1beta and IL-10, in tracheal aspirate fluids were present at various times during the period of ventilatory support, supporting a role for mediator-induced autoinflammation. IL-8 levels were elevated in necropsy lavages of animals with significant lung infection. This model demonstrates that impaired alveolization and capillary development occur in immature lungs, even in the absence of marked hyperoxia and high ventilation settings.

Background There are disparate reports concerning the presence of surfactant proteins in the airways of lung. The recent finding of SP-A in tracheobronchial epithelium and submucosal glands in lungs from second trimester humans has renewed interest in potential new functions of surfactant in lung biology. Methods In situ hybridization studies were done to determine the distribution of SP-A, SP-B, and SP-C in baboon lung specimens from 60, 90, 120, 140, 160, and 180 (term) days of gestation and adults. Lungs from gestation controls were obtained at the time of hysterotomy and adult lungs at necropsy. Riboprobes used for in situ hybridization contained the entire coding regions for human SP-A, SP-B, and SP-C. Results At 60 days, SP-C mRNA expression was evident in focal portions of primitive tubular epithelium but not bronchi. This distal pattern of SP-C mRNA expression persisted and was present in some epithelial cells of respiratory bronchioles at term. At 90 days, SP-A mRNA expression was present in the epithelium of trachea and large bronchi. SP-B mRNA expression was found in small bronchi, bronchioles, and distal tubular epithelium at 120 days of gestation. SP-A mRNA bronchiolar localization became evident at 140 days of gestation and alveolar type 2 cellular expression at 160 days of gestation. Abrupt transitions of surfactant protein expression were identified (e.g., SP-A mRNA–positive cells in the epithelium of large bronchi with adjoining SP-B mRNA expression in small bronchi and bronchioles). Conclusions Findings in the baboon indicate that there are well-delineated sites of surfactant protein mRNA expression in bronchial and bronchiolar epithelia. mRNA expressions of SP-A and SP-B are present in both bronchial and bronchiolar epithelium but at different sites, whereas SP-C expression is seen in loci of epithelial cells in respiratory bronchioles. Anat. Rec. 250:300–315, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease affecting preterm neonates, is associated with significant childhood and adult health problems. Histopathologic features of BPD include impaired vascular and distal airway development. We previously showed that activation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) by inhibition of prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing proteins (PHDs) is feasible and that it stimulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-dependent angiogenesis in vitro. We tested the hypothesis that enhancement of angiogenesis by activation of HIFs improves lung growth and function in prematurely born neonates in vivo. Preterm baboons (125 day+14 day pro re nata O2 model, corresponding to 27 human gestational weeks) were treated for 14 days with intravenous (i.v.) FG-4095, a PHD inhibitor. Notably, 77% of diminished total alveolar surface area in untreated controls was recovered by FG-4095 treatment. Functional significance of the structural changes was indicated by improved oxygenation and lung compliance in FG-4095-treated newborns. Surfactant proteins B and C and saturated phosphatidylcholine were unchanged. Incidence of spontaneous ductus arteriosus closure was increased, likely contributing to lower ratio of pulmonary to systemic blood flow in FG-4095 group. These findings indicate that HIF stimulation by PHD inhibition ameliorates pathological and physiological consequences of BPD.

The surfactant protein secretory cells in airway and alveolar epithelium were studied in premature baboons with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and superimposed infection. PRN animals were delivered by hysterotomy at 140 d gestational age and ventilated on clinically appropriate oxygen for a 16-d experimental period. To assess 0 time and sacrifice time gestational parameters, 140 and 156 d were studied. BPD animals were delivered at 140 d and ventilated with positive-pressure ventilation and an FIO2 of 1.0 for 11 d followed by 5 d of oxygen sufficient to maintain PAO2 at 40 to 50 mm Hg. BPD-infected animals were comparably ventilated and treated like the BPD group except that 10(8) E. coli organisms were endotracheally instilled on Day 11. In situ hybridization studies for mRNA expression of SP-A, SP-B, and SP-C revealed that an SP-A mRNA deficiency, present at 140 d, persisted in the BPD and BPD-infected groups, whereas SP-A mRNA was abundant in PRN and 156 d gestation control groups. SP-B and SP-C mRNA expression in the two hyperoxically injured groups was particularly extensive in cells around peribronchiolar and perivasicular sites. Immunostaining with SP-A, SP-B, and SP-C antibodies showed variable staining patterns. The study clearly demonstrates that a deficiency of SP-A mRNA expression persists in chronic lung injury and that variable protein staining patterns are manifested depending upon the underlying pathology.

Background: Interleukin (IL)-6, when complexed with soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), has emerged as an important modulator of chemokine expression and leukocyte recruitment during inflammation and in this state can be specifically antagonised by soluble gp130 (sgp130). The expression of these modifiers of IL-6 activity during ventilator-induced inflammation remains poorly understood. Objectives: To ascertain the expression pattern of IL-6, sIL-6R and sgp130 in response to mechanical ventilation in the preterm neonatal lung and define its relationship to associated markers of inflammation. Methods: Inflammatory cell recruitment and expression of IL-6, sIL-6R, sgp130, IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were quantified in tracheal aspirate fluid collected over a 14-day period from preterm (125 days) baboons undergoing mechanical ventilation. Results: Over the period of ventilation, the ratio of agonistic IL-6/sIL-6R increased 4.3-fold between days 3 and 10–11 (p < 0.01) while the ratio of antagonistic sgp130/IL-6 decreased 2.6-fold over the same period (p < 0.05). Over the same period, the relative numbers of neutrophils compared to mononuclear cells shifted from an excess of 1.8 on day 1 to 0.6 on day 14 (p < 0.01). Both IL-8 and MCP-1 were elevated between days 1 and 10–11 of ventilation (p < 0.01). Conclusions: In the ventilated preterm baboon lung, expression of sIL-6R and dynamic modulation of sgp130 expression appear to modulate the activity and inflammatory potential of IL-6.

Using the 125-day baboon model of long-term bronchopulmonary dysplasia, we hypothesized that early use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP), a noninvasive ventilatory method, combined with prophylactic surfactant therapy would permit continuation of alveolar and vascular development in the lung. Retrospective human studies have shown that infants treated with nCPAP spend less time on mechanical ventilation and thereby sustain less volutrauma. After delivery by cesarean section at 125 days (term, 185 days), the infants received two doses of surfactant (Curosurf) and daily caffeine citrate. Weaning from low-volume positive pressure ventilation to nCPAP was attempted at 24 hours of age. Serial physiological parameters were recorded. Lung histopathology and morphometric measurements of nCPAP animals were done after necropsy at 28 days and data were compared with 125- and 156-day gestational controls. Documented episodes of clinical sepsis and pneumonia at postmortem examination were absent. nCPAP lungs showed enlarged thin-walled air spaces with minimal fibroproliferation and scattered secondary crests. Internal surface area and surface-to-volume ratio dimensions were similar to those of 156-day gestational control lungs, the intrauterine developmental control. nCPAP is an effective noninvasive ventilatory technique that minimizes lung injury in baboons at risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Current nonhuman models for bronchopulmonary dysplasia have not included perinatal infection. We studied the effects of antenatal Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) infection in the 125-d immature baboon. Ten 125-d gestation (term = 185 d) baboon dams were delivered after intra-amniotic inoculation with Uu. Serial blood and tracheal aspirate samples were analyzed for Uu colony-forming units, IL-6, IL-8, and cell counts. Physiologic parameters were serially recorded. Lung histology was examined after 14 d of ventilation and compared with unexposed controls. All Uu-exposed animals had >4 x 102 CFU in tracheal aspirate at 24 h. Four of nine Uu animals remained heavily colonized [(+) Uu] at necropsy (>6 x 103). Five animals had negative or low tracheal colony-forming units. All Uu animals had significant increases for white blood cells, IL-6, and IL-8 in amniotic and fetal lung fluid. Compared with controls, (+) Uu animals had significantly higher fraction of inspired oxygen, airway pressures, oxygenation index, and ventilation efficiency index between 48 and 240 h and had significantly elevated tracheal IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations between 72 and 240 h. Compared with controls (-) Uu animals had significantly better oxygenation index and ventilation efficiency index scores between 48 and 144 h. Lung histopathology in both Uu groups showed more severe bronchiolitis and interstitial pneumonitis compared with controls. Two patterns of disease were observed after Uu perinatal infection. Persistent colonization manifested a picture consistent with acute pneumonitis, worse lung function from 2 to 10 d, and prolonged elevated tracheal cytokines. Colonized animals that subsequently cleared Uu from the lung demonstrated early improved lung function compared with unexposed controls yet still manifested mixed bronchiolitis and interstitial pneumonitis at necropsy. Inherent immune system responses may determine outcome of perinatal Ureaplasma colonization.

In the February 16, 1967 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, the pathologic features of two lung diseases, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in infants and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in adults, were described in ICU patients1. This era marked the time mechanical ventilators capable of delivering high pressures and elevated oxygen tensions were being introduced and utilized in intensive care units. Northway and his associates described the distinctive radiographic pattern of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and accompanying pathologic changes in 32 infants managed in the neonatal intensive care unit2. The average gestational age and birth weight of surviving BPD infants who did not receive exogenous surfactant treatment was 34 weeks and 2,224 grams respectively. Northway and his group suggested that the pathogenesis of BPD was a prolongation of the healing phase of severe hyaline membrane disease combined with generalized pulmonary oxygen toxicity, and that endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation might contribute to disease development. The pathologic lesions described by this group and others during the 1970’s, were alternating zones of overdistended alveoli and fibrosis, squamous metaplasia of the airway epithelium, peribronchial fibrosis, obliterative bronchiolitis, and hypertrophy of peribronchial smooth muscle3-11.

We report an increased occurrence of fluconazole-resistant Candida parapsilosis after a 4-year period of antifungal prophylaxis in a premature animal neonatal intensive care unit. Although prevention of nosocomial fungal infections in premature infants is desirable, implementation of fluconazole prophylaxis should be undertaken with caution. Where such programs are in place, evaluation of fungal isolates for drug resistance should be considered.

In this study, 12 male baboons were delivered by hysterotomy at 75% of gestation. The development of a nonlethal baboon model permitted a study of lung growth and development in long-term survivors. Control animals were ventilated with clinically appropriate oxygen for the 21 d study period. BPD animals were ventilated with PPV and an FIO2 of 1.0 for 7 d, followed by an FIO2 of 0.8 for 14 d. They survived for 33 wk, at which time a right lower lobe lobectomy was performed. Controls showed normal well-alveolated lungs, whereas BPD lungs showed enlarged airspaces focally, nonclassifiable as alveoli, alveolar ducts, or respiratory bronchioles. Volume densities of alveoli were decreased significantly (p = 0.0009), and enlarged airspaces were significantly increased (p = 0.0003) in the BPD group compared with controls. Alveolar counts verified a significant decrease in alveoli (p = 0.004), and the internal surface area was significantly decreased (p = 0.05) in BPD treated animals compared with controls. These data document that a mild to moderate BPD lesion results in a significant and permanent loss of alveoli and a significant increase in enlarged, unclassifiable airspaces, which together result in a decreased total internal surface area in baboons that survive with their disease.

Pathophysiologic, morphometric, and biochemical (surfactant and coagulation-fibrinolytic parameters) features were studied in premature baboons with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). A total of 22 baboons were delivered by hysterotomy at 75% of gestation and randomized into two groups. Group 1 (PRN) animals were ventilated with high-frequency oscillation for 48 to 72 h and then changed to positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) while maintained on clinically appropriate oxygen for the 21-day experimental period. Group 2 (BPD) animals were ventilated with PPV and 1.0 FlO2 for 7 days followed by 0.8 FlO2 for 14 days. Group 3 (control) animals were delivered and immediately killed at 140 days gestation. Group 1 animals showed no significant airway or saccular lesions, and alveolarization of the saccules was present. Group 2 animals showed metaplastic or hyperplastic epithelial lesions in airways and an alternating pattern of atelectatic but more normal appearing saccules and alveoli interposed between foci of thickened overexpanded saccular walls with no alveolarization. Differences within and between the three study groups were analyzed morphometrically. When numerical densities were examined by comparing control, PRN, BPD-atelectatic areas, and BPD-overexpanded areas. Type II cells were significantly increased in the BPD-overexpanded sites above those of control and PRN values. The interstitial cells were significantly more numerous in the BPD-atelectatic blocks compared with control and BPD-overexpanded blocks. Endothelial cell numerical densities were significantly decreased in the overexpanded sites of the BPD animals compared with the control, PRN, and BPD-atelectatic values. Volume density data showed that the interstitial compartment of the BPD group was significantly larger than those of the control and PRN groups. This was seen as significant increases in the cellular, noncellular, and connective tissue fiber components. Vascular endothelium or lumen volume densities were not different between the BPD and PRN animals, but did differ from those of the 140-day gestation controls. Comparable levels of lavage plasminogen-dependent fibrinolytic activity, were detectable at the 21-day study interval. The phospholipid composition of pulmonary surfactant, including disaturated PC and total PG, was similar between BPD and PRN groups at 21 days. The pathologic, morphometric, and biochemical patterns in this study probably represent those seen in human neonates with mild to moderate clinical BPD who survive. At this time, it is not known if the destructive endothelial lesion and the lack of alveolarization in the overexpanded and fibrotic lesions will resolve over time in long-term BPD survivors.

Microbial colonization and infection patterns were prospectively evaluated in premature baboons with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) to assess if prolonged hyperoxia would predispose to a different pattern of microbial colonization and/or a higher risk of respiratory infection. Forty baboons were delivered by hysterotomy at 75% of gestation and randomized into two groups. Group I (control or PRN) animals were placed immediately on high-frequency oscillation at 15 Hz; I:E ratio 1:2, and changed to positive-pressure ventilation at 48 to 72 h. They were maintained on clinically appropriate oxygen at minimal ventilator settings for the remainder of the 21-day experimental period. Group II (oxygen-treated or BPD) animals were ventilated with PPV and FIO2 1.0 for 7 days followed by FIO2 0.8 for 14 days. All animals were treated with antibiotics during some portion of the 21-day course. Specimens from nose, oropharynx, trachea, and rectum were cultured for both aerobes and anaerobes throughout the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) course. A subset of animals from both groups were killed at 21 days and lung, liver, spleen, and gastric contents were cultured quantitatively at autopsy. Findings showed that coagulase-negative staphylococci were the predominant organisms that colonized the neonate in the NICU. Lung infections were seen to evolve through sequential pathogenetic steps: colonization of the upper respiratory tract, with concomitant or subsequent colonization of the trachea with comparable organism and ultimate recovery of the same organisms at autopsy in the lungs of animals with pneumonia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The physiological, morphological, and morphometric findings of several lung injury models in baboons have been compared in the following six study groups: 1) initial injury with oleic acid followed by ventilation with 100% O2, 2) ventilation with 100% O2, 3) ventilation with 80% O2, 4) ventilation with 80% O2 followed by inoculation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 5) ventilation with 40% O2, and 6) normal nonventilated room-air-breathing animals. The animals were maintained for 11 days in an intensive care unit. Light microscopically, animals ventilated with 40 and 80% O2 showed mild lung injury, consisting mostly of an increase in alveolar macrophages in peribronchiolar sites and focal alveolar wall widening. The 100% O2-oleic acid, 100% O2, and 80% O2-Pseudomonas-treated baboons showed mixed exudative-reparative diffuse alveolar lesions. Ultrastructurally, the type II cells of these three groups had significantly altered morphology with aberrations of lamellar body configurations. Morphometric findings showed increases in type II and interstitial cells and decreases in type I and endothelial cells in these injured animals. A striking finding was that the physiological, morphological, and morphometric changes of an 80% O2-Pseudomonas insult was as injurious as 100% O2. This synergistic effect of hyperoxia and infection very likely reflects the most frequent evolution of adult respiratory distress syndrome in patients in intensive care units.