University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Gestational age at time of in utero lipopolysaccharide exposure influences the severity of inflammation-induced diaphragm weakness in lambs

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 08:13 authored by Karisnan, K, Mahzabin, T, Bakker, AJ, Yong SongYong Song, Noble, PB, Pillow, JJ, Pinniger, GJ
The preterm diaphragm is functionally immature compared with its term counterpart. In utero inflammation further exacerbates preterm diaphragm dysfunction. We hypothesized that preterm lambs are more vulnerable to in utero inflammation-induced diaphragm dysfunction compared with term lambs. Pregnant ewes received intra-amniotic (IA) injections of saline or 10 mg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 2 or 7 days before delivery at 121 days (preterm) or ∼145 days (term) of gestation. Diaphragm contractile function was assessed in vitro. Plasma cytokines, diaphragm myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms, and oxidative stress were evaluated. Maximum diaphragm force in preterm control lambs was significantly lower (22%) than in term control lambs (P < 0.001). Despite similar inflammatory cytokine responses to in utero LPS exposure, diaphragm function in preterm and term lambs was affected differentially. In term lambs, maximum force after a 2-day LPS exposure was significantly lower than in controls (by ~20%, P < 0.05). In preterm lambs, maximum forces after 2-day and 7-day LPS exposures were significantly lower than in controls (by ~30%, P < 0.05). Peak twitch force after LPS exposure was significantly lower in preterm than in controls, but not in term lambs. In term lambs, LPS exposure increased the proportion of MHC-I fibers, increased twitch contraction times, and increased fatigue resistance relative to controls. In preterm diaphragm, the cross-sectional area of embryonic MHC fibers was significantly lower after 7-day versus 2-day LPS exposures. We conclude that preterm lambs are more vulnerable to IA LPS-induced diaphragm dysfunction than term lambs. In utero inflammation exacerbates diaphragm dysfunction and may increase susceptibility to postnatal respiratory failure.

History

Publication title

American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology

Volume

314

Issue

4

Pagination

R523-R532

ISSN

0363-6119

Department/School

Menzies Institute for Medical Research

Publisher

Amer Physiological Soc

Place of publication

9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, USA, Md, 20814

Rights statement

Copyright © 2018 the American Physiological Society

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Clinical health not elsewhere classified

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC