Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF(alpha)) is increased during hyperoxia and fibrosis.

Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF(alpha)) stimulates type II alveolar epithelial cell proliferation and also is associated with fibrosis. We studied the changes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) TGF(alpha) protein in a neonatal rabbit hyperoxia-fibrosis model (100% O(2) for 8 to 9 days, followed by 60% O(2) to 36 days of age). Hyperoxia increased TGF(alpha) protein and delayed the appearance of mature lower molecular weight (MW) TGF(alpha) isoforms at postnatal days 6 and 8 during the acute injury period.

Inhibition of neuroretinal cell death by insulin-like growth factor-1 and its analogs.

Purpose: Visual loss secondary to retinal ischemia/hypoxia can be a serious complication of diabetic retinopathy, as well as other vascular insults. We used R28 retinal precursor cells, as well as primary rat retinal cell cultures, to test whether the neuroprotective growth factor IGF-1 would protect retinal cells from dying under conditions of hypoxia or serum-starvation. We also utilized three IGF-1 analogs ([LongR3], [Ala31], and [Leu24][Ala31]) with altered affinities for the IGF-1 receptor and/or IGF-1 binding proteins in order to address the mechanism(s) of IGF-1 neuroprotection.

Discordant pulmonary proinflammatory cytokine expression during acute hyperoxia in the newborn rabbit.

Newborn animals are resistant to oxygen toxicity. To investigate this phenomenon, the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were measured during newborn rabbit hyperoxic lung injury. Pups were exposed to > 95% O2 for 8-9 days, followed by 60% O2 until 36 days of age.

Hyperoxia increases keratinocyte growth factor mRNA expression in neonatal rabbit lung.

Acute hyperoxic lung injury remains a major factor in the development of chronic lung disease in neonates. A critical step in the repair of acute lung injury is the proliferation of type II alveolar epithelial cells. Type II cell proliferation is stimulated by keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), an epithelial cell-specific mitogen.

Cell-specific gene expression reveals changes in epithelial cell populations after bleomycin treatment.

Epithelial repair following acute lung injury involves proliferation and differentiation of existing Clara cells and type II cells. Other mechanisms of epithelial repair may be involved in particularly severe cases. We used epithelial cell-specific markers to examine changes in the mouse lung epithelium 28 days after bleomycin treatment.