Effect of unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis on postpneumonectomy lung growth.

Respiratory muscle-associated stretch has been implicated in normal lung development (fetal breathing movements) and postpneumonectomy lung growth. To test the hypothesis that mechanical stretch from diaphragmatic contraction contributes to lung growth, we performed left phrenic nerve transections (PNT) in mice with and without ipsilateral pneumonectomy. PNT was demonstrated by asymmetric costal margin excursion and confirmed at autopsy. In mice with two lungs, PNT was associated with a decrease in ipsilateral lung volume ( P < 0.05) and lung weight ( P < 0.05). After pneumonectomy, PNT was not associated with a change in activity level, measureable hypoxemia, or altered minute venti…