CONGENITAL DIAPHRAGMATIC-HERNIA - NEW MODELS, NEW IDEAS

An animal model for congenital diaphragmatic hernia following interfer ence with the development of the primary lung bud by 2,4-dinitro-p-dip henylether (nitrofen) is described. It has been used for pathogenetic studies to evaluate the presence of pulmonary hypoplasia and a closing defect of the diaphragm. Functional studies revealed abnormal surfact ant levels and differences in pressure/volume curves following birth a nd during artificial ventilation for 6 h together with a disturbed ant ioxidant enzyme response. This animal model opens up new ways of study ing the effects of prenatal hormonal modulation (corticosteroids, thyr otrophin-releasing hormone) on lung development as a novel therapeutic modality.