1711 FETAL LUNG DEVELOPMENT IN THE SUBHUMAN PRIMATE(MACACCA MULATTA)

Abstract

Previous studies in subhuman primates have encompassed the entire third trimester to profile general patterns of fetal lung development(FLD); however, this work has not expanded the data base at key gestational ages(GA) to elucidate precise developmental changes. Accordingly, we have performed comprehensive pulmonary physiologic and biochemical analyses in 17 nonbreathing rhesus fetuses delivered by C-section at 4 gestational ages(term=165 days). Lung data including phosphatidylcholine(PC) and phosphatidylglycerol(PG) are presented in the table below(per gram wet wt) as mean±S.E. values. Marked changes in phospholipids were noted at 155 days GA. Additionally, lung protein, wet weight, %V₁₀ and selected fatty acids in PC increased with advancing GA. Although parallel increases occurred in lung PC, DSPC and PG, mature physiologic indices were obtained later in gestation. Furthermore, amniotic fluid analyses revealed no clear relationship between PG concentration and lung maturation.

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