VEGF-D Protects the Lung in Neonatal Hyperoxia-induced Lung Injury

Abstract

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a serious lung disease that affects premature infants born with developmentally immature lungs. Supplemental oxygen, although a lifesaving treatment, provokes inflammation and oxidative stress, causing microvasculature injury, pulmonary edema, and abnormal lung development. Impaired pulmonary vascular development is implicated in BPD; however, the role of the lymphatics is poorly understood. Studies used an established animal model, in which mice were exposed on the day of birth for 14 days to 75% oxygen to induce hallmark features of BPD, including pulmonary edema. Single-cell RNA sequencing data were analyzed to examine VEGF-D (vascular endothelial growt..