This article details the anatomical structure of porcine lungs and provides a protocol for isolating bronchiolar tissue sections. The methodology ensures the integrity of the tissue for further experimentation.
Pigs have multi-lobed lungs - a paired organ of respiration - surrounding the heart within the thoracic cavity. The trachea allows the passage of air to and from the lungs. It branches into two main airways or bronchi, leading to the lungs.
Within the lungs, the bronchi divide into progressively smaller airways, and the smallest terminal branches of the airways are called bronchioles. The bronchioles lead to tiny balloon-shaped air sacs called alveoli, which are the sites of gas exchange within the lungs.
To isolate bronchiolar tissue sections, begin by placing freshly harvested porcine lungs onto a sterile platform. Heat sterilize the ventral surface of the pleura - thin membranous structure lining the lungs - to eliminate surface contaminants from the tissue. This step also facilitates easy incision of the pleura in the subsequent steps.
Incise along the length of the lung, and excise the surrounding tissue to expose the cartilage of the bronchus. Further, make a transverse incision at the highest point of the bronchus to detach it from the trachea.
Holding the free end of the bronchus, gently separate the length of the bronchus with the bronchioles from the surrounding alveolar tissue. Rinse the excised bronchiolar section with a suitable media. The bronchiolar tissue section is ready for further experimentation.
Obtain lungs immediately after slaughter, and transport them to the laboratory in a domestic cool box. Work on a sterilized surface and under a flame. Place the lungs on a clean plastic chopping board covered with autoclaved aluminum foil, and check that the bronchioles remain intact. The lungs are not suitable for use if there has been any damage at the abattoir or during transport.
Heat a palette knife under a flame, and very briefly touch the knife to the area of the lung surrounding the bronchiole to sterilize the surface of the tissue. Cut away the surface tissue surrounding the bronchiole using a sterile mounted razor blade, making incisions parallel to the bronchiole to prevent any damage.
Once the bronchiole has been exposed, make a cross-sectional incision through the bronchiole at the highest point visible. Using sterile forceps, lightly hold the free end of the bronchiole, and cut away any remaining unwanted tissue using a sterile mounted razor blade. Make a final cross-sectional incision across the bronchiole before any branching is visible to remove the bronchiole from the lungs.
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