Vascular Aspects of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

ABSTRACT

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is characterized by arrest of vascular and alveolar development in premature infants. Recent advances in neonatology have increased the survival of immature babies. Consequently, the prevalence of BPD is increasing. Animal studies and autopsy findings of BPD have demonstrated interruption in vascular development and reversal of lung injury through promotion of vasculogenesis. Normal lung development is driven by temporal and spatial specific growth factors and cell- to- cell signaling in vascular development. Lung injury through various pathways causes disruption in this complex interactive process and results in aberrant vascular development and subsequent BPD. By understanding the regulation of vascular growth of the lung, it would be possible to find new targets in the treatment and prevention of BPD in premature infants.