Animal models of cigarette smoke-induced COPD.

OBJECTIVES

To review the animal models of COPD, and to compare these data to those found in humans.

RESULTS

Smoke-induced animal models can produce emphysema, although the lesions are not generally close mimics of human emphysema, as well as increases in mucous-secreting cells and vascular changes including pulmonary hypertension. There is considerable species-to-species variation in the degree and/or presence of these different abnormalities, so that care has to be used in selecting a species to study. Remarkably little information is available about the biochemical and molecular changes induced by cigarette smoke in animal models.

CONCLUSIONS

Great insights into the pathology of chronic obstructive lung disease have been made using various animal models.