Rabbit model of radiation-induced lung injury

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the feasibility of establishing an animal model of chronic radiation-induced lung injury.@*METHODS@#Twenty-eight New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups (the right lung irradiation group, the whole lung irradiation group and the control group). Animal model of radiation-induced lung injury was established by high-does radiotherapy in the irradiation groups, then all rabbits underwent CT and pathological examinations at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 weeks, respectively after radiation.@*RESULTS@#Within 4 weeks of irradiation, some rabbits in the right lung irradiation group and whole lung irradiation group died. CT and pathological examinations all showed acute radiation pneumonitis. At 8-12 weeks after irradiation, CT scanning showed ground glass samples signs, patchy shadows and fibrotic stripes. Pathological examination showed the fibrosis pulmonary alveolar wall thickened obviously.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The clinical animal model of chronic radiation-induced lung injury which corresponds to practical conditions in clinic can be successfully established.