Small animal models of emphysema

The present chapter takes a different approach in an attempt to selectively and critically review small animal models of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) induced by cigarette smoke exposure. Because cigarette smoke has been identified as the most important risk factor for the development of COPD10, these models may provide the basis for the understanding of the complex pathogenetic cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the disease. In addition pharmacological studies of cigarette smoke-induced models of COPD are also considered here since the results could be of interest for future potential therapeutical approaches in man.