Complete re-endothelialization of de-endothelialized pulmonary circuits in lungs remains a significant challenge in restoring functionality to regenerated lungs. Current methods of delivering endothelial cells to distal vessels during re-endothelialization have only been partially successful, leading to the incomplete regeneration of the pulmonary circuit. Understanding the root cause for poor cell delivery is a key first step in improving lung re-endothelialization.

In this thesis, pulmonary circuits in native and de-endothelialized mouse lungs were processed using micro-computed tomography and custom analysis algorithims for assessing the preservation of the pulmonary circuit of de-endothelialized lungs. Vessels in the pulmonary circuits of native lungs were characterized at previously unattainable resolutions and accuracies. Characterization of de-endothelialized lungs showed significantly fewer distal vessels and an incomplete pulmonary circuit. The consequence of cell absence post re-endothelialization suggests significant physical obstructions to cell delivery, rather than an inability of cells to form functional distal vessels.