Fundamental Methods for Analysis of Acute Lung Injury in Mice

The mouse has been a popular organism for studying mechanisms of acute lung injury (ALI), given the small size, rapid life cycle, and genetic malleability of this animal. The major features of ALI in mice include disruption of the alveolar capillary barrier, histopathological changes in lung architecture, localized inflammation, and physiological dysfunction. In this chapter, we describe the basic techniques that we use in our laboratory to qualitatively and quantitatively assess ALI in mice, focusing particularly on permeability and inflammation. Detailed methodology for performing bronchoalveolar lavage and analyzing components of the lavage is outlined, along with guidelines for processing and evaluation of lung tissue. Mastery of these essential tools will allow any investigator to reliably and reproducibly measure the experimental outcome in multiple mouse models of acute lung injury.