Morphological Characteristics of a Rat Model of Reexpansion Pulmonary Edema

Objective: Reexpansion pulmonary edema (RPE) is a severe disorder, and its pathophysiology is not well understood. One proposed mechanism for RPE is that chemical substances such as cytokines increase alveolar permeability. Another possible mechanism is that alveolar distention during reexpansion causes physical damage. To test the hypothesis that sudden alveolar distention damages alveolar cellular structure and identify the underlying cause of RPE, we developed and evaluated the morphological characteristics of a rat RPE model. Methods: Lung from a rat model of RPE was observed by using live imaging from intravital fluorescence microscopy with fluorescein isothiocyanate labelled albumin as tracer, light microscopy, and electron microscopy (with and without horseradish peroxidase [HRP] as tracer). Results: Intravital fluorescence microscopy and light microscopy showed that RPE developed almost immediately after lung reexpansion and that blood flow in pulmonary capillaries slowed substantially. In some capillaries, however, blood flow had stopped entirely; in others, anterograde and retrograde flow alternated. Electron microscopy revealed pores in type I pneumocytes and overt fissures in alveolar walls. Electron microscopic observation with HRP revealed that HRP moved from capillaries to the inner surfaces of alveolar epithelia in reexpanded lungs. In addition, diaminobenzidine reaction products from the HRP enzyme reaction were visible in areas with pores. Conclusions: RPE occurred almost immediately after lung reexpansion. Pores developed in type I pneumocytes in alveolar epithelium. These pores, together with overt fissures in alveolar walls, allowed leakage of plasma components into alveoli. These findings appear to be important features of RPE development.