Endothelial colony-forming cells from preterm infants are increased and more susceptible to hyperoxia.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Preterm birth and hyperoxic exposure increase the risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease characterized by impaired vascular and alveolar growth. Endothelial progenitor cells, such as self-renewing highly proliferative endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), may participate in vascular repair. The effect of hyperoxia on ECFC growth is unknown.

Objectives

We hypothesize that umbilical cord blood (CB) from premature infants contains more ECFCs with greater growth potential than term CB. However, preterm ECFCs may be more susceptible to hyperoxia.

Methods

ECFC colonies were quantified by established methods and characterized by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Growth kinetics were assessed in room air and hyperoxia (FI(O(2))

SUBMITTER: Baker CD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2742761 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature