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Tracheal occlusion: A review of obstructing fetal lungs to make them grow and mature
Author(s) -
Khan Paul A.,
Cloutier Marc,
Piedboeuf Bruno
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
american journal of medical genetics part c: seminars in medical genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.419
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1552-4876
pISSN - 1552-4868
DOI - 10.1002/ajmg.c.30127
Subject(s) - occlusion , fetus , medicine , surgery , biology , pregnancy , genetics
Fetal lung growth and functional differentiation are affected strongly by the extent that pulmonary tissue is distended (expanded) by liquid that naturally fills developing future airspaces. Methods that prevent normal egress of this lung fluid through the trachea magnify mechanical stretching of lung parenchymal cells, thereby promoting lung development. Indeed, experimental observations demonstrate that in utero tracheal occlusion (TO) performed on fetuses during the late canalicular‐early saccular stage potently stimulates pulmonary growth and maturation. In this review, we present the four principle non‐human animal models of TO/obstruction and discuss them in relation to their utility in elucidating lung development, in remedying congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) as well as in investigating the stretching effects on growth and remodeling of the fine vasculature. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.