Journal article
Contributions of Retinoids to the Generation and Repair of the Pulmonary Alveolus
Chest, Vol.121(5), pp.206S-208S
05/2002
DOI: 10.1378/chest.121.5_suppl.206S
PMID: 12010853
Abstract
COPD is associated with a progressive, irreversible decline in pulmonary function. This is caused in large part by emphysema, the ongoing inflammatory destruction of the alveoli and increased airspace size, loss of lung elastic recoil, and hyperinflation. The discovery of novel drugs that can reduce the rate of lung destruction and airflow limitation, or even stop or reverse the underlying processes remains a “holy grail” for the therapy of this disorder. Recent reports that retinoic acid markedly ameliorates the emphysema induced in rats by administration of elastase have sparked considerable interest in retinoids and other alveolar morphogens as potential therapeutic agents. This review focuses on mechanisms involved in mammalian alveolar formation, which occurs mainly after birth. Roles of endogenous retinoids on pulmonary structural cell (epithelial and mesenchymal cells) differentiation and lung development are discussed. Also discussed are lung development and structural studies in mice that are genetically altered with respect to the expression of subtypes of retinoid receptors. Effects of retinoids and other growth factors on elastin gene expression and alveolus formation, and the potential pitfalls of drugs that interfere with these processes as therapeutic agents are addressed.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Contributions of Retinoids to the Generation and Repair of the Pulmonary Alveolus
- Creators
- Stephen E McGowan - Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Division, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Chest, Vol.121(5), pp.206S-208S
- DOI
- 10.1378/chest.121.5_suppl.206S
- PMID
- 12010853
- NLM abbreviation
- Chest
- ISSN
- 0012-3692
- eISSN
- 1931-3543
- Publisher
- Elsevier Inc
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 05/2002
- Academic Unit
- International Programs; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9983983665902771
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