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Maturation-related changes in endothelial nitric oxide synthase immunolocalization in developing ovine lung
A C Halbower1, R M Tuder, W A Franklin
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver 80262.
The American Journal of Physiology
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is present early in fetal sheep lungs, potentially regulating vascular tone. Its presence decreases after birth, suggesting a role in pulmonary development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- High fetal pulmonary vascular tone is a concern, with a potential link to endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) deficiency.
- The role and expression patterns of eNOS in the developing pulmonary circulation are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the appearance and developmental changes of eNOS in the pulmonary circulation of sheep.
- To determine if eNOS expression correlates with fetal pulmonary vascular tone.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was utilized to detect eNOS in lung tissue from fetal, neonatal, and adult sheep.
- A specific monoclonal antibody against bovine aortic eNOS was employed for detection.
Main Results:
- Immunoreactive eNOS was found selectively in the endothelium of fetal sheep lungs at all studied ages, including early gestation (29%).
- eNOS expression decreased significantly in most pulmonary vessels by 6 days after birth and was nearly absent in adult distal pulmonary arteries.
- The early presence of eNOS suggests a role in fetal pulmonary vascular development.
Conclusions:
- Immunoreactive eNOS is present early in fetal lung development.
- eNOS expression appears to decrease postnatally in the sheep pulmonary circulation.
- Early eNOS presence supports a potential role for nitric oxide in regulating fetal pulmonary vascular tone and angiogenesis.