Effects of postnatal starvation and refeeding on rat lungs during adulthood.

Rats approximately 3 wk of age were given one half of their measured daily food consumption for 4 to 5 wk until they lost approximately 25% of their initial body weight (starved group) and were compared with an age-matched fed group 20 wk after the beginning of the study. Final body weight and nose-to-tail length were significantly lower in the starved group, whereas dry and wet weights of the lung were similar in both groups. The maximal and minimal lung volumes and specific lung compliance in air- and saline-filled lungs were similar in both groups, but in starved rats the volume-pressure curve was shifted significantly downward and to the right of that of the fed group at 70 and 60% maximal lung volume with air and at 90% maximal lung volume with saline. Total lung content of protein, DNA, RNA, hydroxyproline, and elastin were similar in fed and starved groups. It appears that moderate weight loss during the postnatal period leads to somatic growth retardation but to insignificant changes in the lungs of adult rats.