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Abstract Title:

Effect of Prenatal versus Postnatal Vitamin D Deficiency on Pulmonary Structure and Function in Mice.

Abstract Source:

Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2016 Nov 21. Epub 2016 Aug 21. PMID: 27870560

Abstract Author(s):

Ammar Saadoon, Namasivayam Ambalavanan, Kurt Zinn, Ambika P Ashraf, Mark MacEwen, Teodora Nicola, Michelle V Fanucchi, William T Harris

Article Affiliation:

Ammar Saadoon

Abstract:

Epidemiologic studies have linked gestational vitamin D deficiency to respiratory diseases, although mechanisms have not been defined. We hypothesized that antenatal vitamin D deficiency would impair airway development and alveolarization in a mouse model. We studied the effect of antenatal vitamin D deficiency by inducing vitamin D deficiency in pregnant mice and then compared lung development and function in their offspring to littermate controls. Postnatal vitamin D deficiency and sufficiency models from each group were also studied. We developed a novel tracheal ultrasound imaging technique to measure tracheal diameter in vivo. Histological analysis estimated tracheal cartilage total area and thickness. We found that vitamin D deficient pups had reduced tracheal diameter with decreased tracheal cartilage minimal width. Vitamin D deficiency increased airway resistance and reduced lung compliance, and led to alveolar simplification. Postnatal vitamin D supplementation improved lung function and Radial Alveolar Count, a parameter of alveolar development, but did not correct tracheal narrowing. We conclude that antenatal vitamin D deficiency impairs airway and alveolar development and limits lung function. Reduced tracheal diameter, cartilage irregularity, and alveolar simplification in vitamin D deficient mice may contribute to increased airways resistance and diminished lung compliance. Vitamin D supplementation after birth improved lung function and potentially alveolar simplification but did not improve defective tracheal structure. This mouse model offers insight into the mechanisms of vitamin D deficiency associated lung disease and provides an in vivo model for investigating preclinical preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Study Type : Animal Study

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