ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the development of a unique model of emphysema in sufficient detail to allow interested investigators to reproduce the model themselves. It begins with defining emphysema and describes the events leading to the production of the copper-deficient animal model of emphysema. The chapter discusses the methods by which copper deficiency can be induced in pigs and hamsters, and how to monitor the development of emphysema. It also describes the significance of this model relative to other models with respect to emphysema research. Studies in copper-deficient animals have produced consistent findings. In pigs raised on copper-deficient diets, because administering the relatively high doses earlier causes premature mortality. Two models of copper deficiency-induced lung injury are the avian and rat models. The analysis of lung tissue provides a measure of copper in the target organ of interest, and liver analysis is used as an index of the overall body tissue copper stores.
