Learning how Mechanical Forces Regulate Lung Development:Opportunities for Translational Research

Juan Sanchez- Esteban

doi:10.4172/2161-0665.1000e115

Abstract

Lung growth and development during fetal life are critical for extrauterine survival. Pulmonary hypoplasia secondary to congenital diaphragmatic hernia, oligohydramnios, etc, is an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. In fact, pulmonary hypoplasia is the most common finding in neonatal autopsies. In addition, more than 20,000 babies are born every year in the United States before 27 weeks of gestation (canalicular stage of lung development). These disorders have in common an incomplete development of the lungs. Despite the improvement in neonatal care, these conditions can cause serious short-term and long-term morbidities. Currently, the management is primarily supportive and there is not specific treatment to stimulate the growth and development of the lungs.

Highlights

Tracheal ligation to stimulate lung growth and to correct pulmonary hypoplasia in utero has been used experimentally [13] and in humans affected by congenital diaphragmatic hernia with some success [14]
The identification of growth factors released by mechanical forces that are important for normal lung development could lead to novel treatments to accelerate lung development
Growth factors could be administered prenatally to fetuses affected by pulmonary hypoplasia secondary to congenital diaphragmatic hernia or oligohydramnios

Summary

Introduction

Tracheal ligation to stimulate lung growth and to correct pulmonary hypoplasia in utero has been used experimentally [13] and in humans affected by congenital diaphragmatic hernia with some success [14]. The identification of growth factors released by mechanical forces that are important for normal lung development could lead to novel treatments to accelerate lung development.

Results

Conclusion