Sustained changes in lung expansion alter tropoelastin mRNA levels and elastin content in fetal sheep lungs

Our objective was to determine the effects of sustained alterations in fetal lung expansion on pulmonary elastin synthesis. In fetal sheep, lung expansion was either decreased between 111 and 131 days' gestation (term approximately 147 days) by tracheal drainage or increased for 2, 4, 7, or 10 days by tracheal obstruction, ending at 128 days' gestation. Lung tropoelastin mRNA levels were assessed by Northern blot analysis, total elastin content was measured biochemically, and staining of lung sections was used to assess the localization and form of elastic fibers. Tracheal obstruction significantly elevated pulmonary tropoelastin mRNA levels 2.5-fold at 2 days, but values were not different from controls at 4, 7, and 10 days; elastin content tended to be increased at all time points. A sustained decrease in lung expansion by tracheal drainage reduced pulmonary tropoelastin mRNA levels 2.5-fold; elastin content was also decreased compared with controls, and tissue localization was altered. Our results indicate that the degree of lung expansion in the fetus influences elastin synthesis, content, and tissue deposition.