Abnormal control of lung branching in experimental esophageal atresia

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Fragoso AC (Author) FMUP; Aras-Lopez R (Author) Other; Martinez L (Author) Other; Estevão-Costa J (Author) FMUP; Tovar JA (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Pediatric Surgery International

Vol. 29 No. 2

Pages: 171-177

ISSN: 0179-0358

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 6 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 6 Citations

Pubmed / Medline

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-0XP

DOI: 10.1007/s00383-012-3195-2

Abstract (EN): Esophageal atresia and tracheo-esophageal fistula (EA-TEF) result from abnormal division of the foregut into esophagus and trachea thus, it may influence airway branching and lung development. The present study examined lung morphogenesis in fetuses with EA-TEF focusing in the expression of FGF10 and its receptor FGFR2 IIIb. Pregnant rats received either 1.75 mg/kg i.p. adriamycin or vehicle on E7, E8 and E9. Embryos were recovered at E15, E18 and E21 and lungs processed for immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Three groups were studied: control, adriamycin-exposed with EA-TEF, and adriamycin-exposed without EA-TEF. Comparisons were performed with Mann-Whitney or t tests (significance level, 5 %). Lung weight at E15 and E18 were significantly lower in adriaEA fetuses in which the relative mRNA levels of FGF10 were significantly higher. These differences disappeared near term. The receptor FGFR2 IIIb messenger was only significantly increased in adria noEA fetuses at E15. Immunohistochemical study was consistent with these findings. Abnormal expression of FGF10 during earlier stages of development, when the lungs are smaller than controls, suggests a compensatory response aimed at "catching up" delayed tracheobronchial branching. Whether similar changes take place in the human condition and influence respiratory physiology remain to be determined.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7