Experimental Research on the Impact of Alveolar Morphology on Deposition of Inhalable Particles in the Human Pulmonary Acinar Area

Studying the deposition pattern of inhalable particles in the pulmonary acinus has significance in clarifying the predisposing cause, progression, clinical treatment and prevention of common respiratory system diseases such as emphysema. In this study, we established an in vitro experimental model capable of simulating pulmonary acinar morphological lesions, such as emphysema and pulmonary atrophy. In addition, the deposition efficiencies of inhalable particles with various diameters in the pulmonary acinus were investigated under an unsteady state respiratory mode. The changes in pulmonary acinar morphology significantly affected the deposition rates of particles. Moreover, alveolar atrophy increased the deposition rate of particles, while pulmonary alveolar dilatation decreased the deposition rate. The results of this study may provide experimental evidence for the development of a disease course by pulmonary acinus morphologic changes. The established model also provides a feasible in vitro experimental model for studying the deposition pattern of inhalable particles in the pulmonary acinus.