Repeat low doses of bleomycin induces progressive changes in murine lung mechanics associated with the development of pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive interstitial lung disease characterized by increased deposition of extra cellular matrix and scarring of lung tissue over an extended period of time. A frequently used animal model of pulmonary fibrosis is a single intratracheal administration of bleomycin, however this model has been subject to some criticism as certain features of pulmonary fibrosis such as the progressive nature of the disease are not well recreated. The aim of this study was to develop a model to mimic progressive functional aspects of fibrosis observed in patients with IPF by using repeated low doses of systemic bleomycin.