INFLUENCE OF BETAMETHASONE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES IN THE FETAL RHESUS-MONKEY LUNG

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Abstract
Previous investigations of the effect of glucocorticoids on fetal lung development suggested that changes in lung structural properties may be of greater functional significance than changes in lung surfactant. Here, the mechanism of glucocorticoid-induced change in lung structure was examined and compared to changes that occur during normal development. Rhesus monkeys (M. mulatta) were treated with betamethasone prior to 133 days gestational age and then delivered by cesarian section at 133 days or near term at 160 days. Normal fetal lung development over the last month of gestation occurs with a 45% increase in lung dry weight and a 56% increase in the maximal air volume per gram lung (Vmax/g). Immediate effect of the steroid was to cause a similar percentage increase in Vmax/g but no increase in lung weight. There were significant decreases in lung weight at 133 and 160 days in the treated animals. There were no significant changes in the mean alveolar size with normal development or with the steroid treatment. In the rhesus monkey, the lung maturation process involves both an increase in lung mass and an increase in the number of alveoli per gram of that mass. Betamethasone treatment results in accelerated recruitment of alveoli coupled with impaired growth of lung tissue.

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