Acute Lung Injury (ALI)

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), also called acute lung injury, adult respiratory distress syndrome, or shock lung, is a medical condition occurring in critically ill patients characterized by widespread inflammation in the lungs. ARDS is a common and life-threatening cause of respiratory failure and mortality that develops after a variety of insults, including sepsis, multiple trauma, pneumonia, aspiration of gastric contents and severe burns. 

In effect, ARDS results in impaired gas exchange within the lungs at the level of the microscopic alveoli. Models for ARDS can be used to make researches on the mechanical ventilation affects local and systemic cytokines etc.. There is no question that a crucial factor in scientific advancement is the development of robust animal models that can help to define disease states and aid in the development of successful therapies.