Respiratory failure at birth is a major cause of death and disease in newborn infants. At birth the airways must be cleared of liquid to allow the inhalation of air, but, little is known about the process of lung aeration, because it has not been possible to observe or measure it. We have developed imaging and analytical techniques to observed and measure lung aeration. We will determine ventilation procedures that promote uniform lung aeration and minimise lung injury in ventilated infants.
Ventilation Heterogeneity And Airway Remodelling In Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$522,586.00
Summary
Asthma is a common and important as a cause of significant symptoms and even death. Associated with asthma is narrowing and stiffening of the arways which causes uneven ventilation of the lungs and reduced lung function. We have developed a new technique of imaging the lungs, as well as new lung function tests which measure uneven ventilation and stiffening of airways. This will help us design better medications, and help predict those who are at risk or severe asthma and death.
Synchrotron X-ray Assessment Of Airway Surface Physiology For Cystic Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$778,228.00
Summary
We seek a cure or long-lasting therapy for the fatal airway disease in cystic fibrosis. Disease is caused by a shallow and dehydrated airway surface liquid (ASL), allowing bacteria to infect the lung. We can introduce a corrective gene into mouse airways where it can be effective for over 1 yr, but no fast, accurate and non-invasive measurement exists to test if treatments are successful. We will develop methods using synchrotron light to directly measure ASL depth changes in live mouse airways.