Lung parenchyma at maturity is influenced by postnatal growth but not by moderate preterm birth in sheep

Abstract

BACKGROUND: We have recently shown that moderate preterm birth, in the absence of respiratory support, altered the structure of lung parenchyma in young lambs, but the long-term effects are unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether structural changes persist to maturity, and whether postnatal growth affects lung structure at maturity in sheep. METHODS: At approximately 1.2 years after birth, lung parenchyma of sheep born 14 days before term (n = 7) was stereologically compared with that of controls born at term (n = 8, term approx. 146 days). RESULTS: Preterm birth per se had no significant effect on lung volume, alveolar number and size, and thicknesses of the alveolar walls and blood-gas b..