Stem cell factor improves lung recovery in rats following neonatal hyperoxia-induced lung injury

Luis F. Miranda, Claudia O. Rodrigues, Shalini Ramachandran, Eneida Torres, Jian Huang, Jammie Klim, Dorothy Hehre, Ian McNiece, Joshua M. Hare, Cleide Y. Suguihara, Karen C. Young

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Stem cell factor (SCF) and its receptor, c-kit, are modulators of angiogenesis. Neonatal hyperoxia-induced lung injury (HILI) is characterized by disordered angiogenesis. The objective of this study was to determine whether exogenous SCF improves recovery from neonatal HILI by improving angiogenesis. Methods: Newborn rats assigned to normoxia (RA: 20.9% O2) or hyperoxia (90% O2) from postnatal day (P) 2 to 15, received daily injections of SCF 100 μg/kg or placebo (PL) from P15 to P21. Lung morphometry was performed at P28. Capillary tube formation in SCF-treated hyperoxia-exposed pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) was determined by Matrigel assay. Results: As compared with RA, hyperoxic-PL pups had decrease in alveolarization and in lung vascular density, and this was associated with increased right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), right ventricular hypertrophy, and vascular remodeling. In contrast, SCF-treated hyperoxic pups had increased angiogenesis, improved alveolarization, and attenuation of pulmonary hypertension as evidenced by decreased RVSP, right ventricular hypertrophy, and vascular remodeling. Moreover, in an in vitro model, SCF increased capillary tube formation in hyperoxia-exposed HPMECs. Conclusion: Exogenous SCF restores alveolar and vascular structure in neonatal rats with HILI by promoting neoangiogenesis. These findings suggest a new strategy to treat lung diseases characterized by dysangiogenesis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)682-688
Number of pages7
JournalPediatric Research
Volume74
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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