Epidermal growth factor strongly affects epithelial Na transport and barrier function in fetal alveolar cells, with minor sex-specific effects.

Male sex remains an independent risk factor for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants. Insufficient Na transport-mediated alveolar fluid clearance contributes to RDS development and we previously demonstrated sex-specific differences in Na transport. The epidermal growth factor (EGF) is important during fetal lung development with possible influence on Na transport.