Intrauterine pulmonary hypertension impairs angiogenesis in vitro: role of vascular endothelial growth factor nitric oxide signaling.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Mechanisms that impair angiogenesis in neonatal persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) are poorly understood.

Objectives

To determine if PPHN alters fetal pulmonary artery endothelial cell (PAEC) phenotype and impairs growth and angiogenesis in vitro, and if altered vascular endothelial growth factor-nitric oxide (VEGF-NO) signaling contributes to this abnormal phenotype.

Methods

Proximal PAECs were harvested from fetal sheep that had undergone partial ligation of the ductus arteriosus in utero (PPHN) and age-matched control animals. Growth and tube formation +/- VEGF and NO stimulation and inhibition were studied in normal and PPHN PAECs. Western blot analysis was performed for VEGF, VEGF receptor-2 (VEGF-R2), and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) protein co

SUBMITTER: Gien J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2176095 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature