Dynamic Changes in Lung Function and Blood Flow During Lung Adenocarcinoma Progression in Mice by Whole-body Plethysmography and Doppler Ultrasound.

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common malignant pulmonary tumor, and its progression leads to alterations in ventilation and blood flow, highlighting the distinct functional characteristics of the lung under pathological conditions. The non-invasive whole-body plethysmography (WBP) system enables real-time monitoring of lung function and airway responsiveness in awake mice, avoiding interference from tracheotomy and anesthesia. Small animal Doppler ultrasound (DU), utilizing high-frequency imaging technology, non-invasively captures microvascular structures and changes in pulmonary blood flow velocity, offering crucial support for investigating ventilation and perfusion abnormalities associated with LUAD. In this study, a LUAD model was established in A/J mice using 100 mg/kg of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). WBP combined with DU was employed to monitor pulmonary function and hemodynamic parameters in mice. The results revealed a significant decline (p < 0.05) in key metrics, including 50% expiratory flow (EF50), minute ventilation (MV), peak expiratory flow (PEF), peak inspiratory flow (PIF), enhanced pause (Penh), and tidal volume (TV), as well as a marked reduction in pulmonary arterial blood flow velocity (p < 0.05) in the model group during tumor progression. This combined approach effectively captures the functional disruptions occurring during the pathological development of LUAD in mice, providing a non-invasive and efficient method for advancing research into respiratory diseases.