Regulation of lung cell proliferation by polypeptide growth factors

lung cell proliferation by polypeptide growth factors. Am. J. Physiol. 257 (Lung Cell. Mol. Physiol. 1): L23-L38, 1989.-In the last 10 years there has been an increased appreciation of the changes in lung cell populations that occur in association with the acute respiratory failure often induced by traumatic injury. Early events result in an accumulation in the lung of platelets, neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, a release of substances having potent cardiopulmonary and metabolic effects, and an ensuing edema and transudation of materials from the interstitium and capillaries into the alveoli. Further progression of the injury results in significant decreases in the number of endothelial and type I epithelial cells and a subsequent hyperplasia of fibroblasts and type II-like epithelial cells. Major sequelae of the latter stage of the disease are interstitial and interalveolar fibrosis, probably resulting from the increased number of fibroblasts present. The activity and composition of pulmonary surfactant are often perturbed. This review will discuss mechanisms that may be involved i