3D reconstruction of the bronchial tree of the Gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) in the postnatal period.

ABSTRACT: Recent didelphid marsupials resemble the assumed mammalian ancestor and are suitable to inform on the evolution of the mammalian lung. This study uses X-ray computed tomography (μCT) to three-dimensionally reconstruct the bronchial tree of the marsupial Gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) in order to reveal the timeline of morphogenesis during the postnatal period. The development of the bronchial tree was examined in 37 animals from embryonic day 13, during the postnatal period (neonate to 57 days) and in adults. The first appearance and the branching of lobar, segmental and sub-segmental bronchioles in the lungs were documented. Based on the reconstructions, the generation of end-branching airways, the median and maximum generation and the number of branches were calculated

SUBMITTER: Ferner K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10641052 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature