Many premature infants have deficient pulmonary surfactant, which is required to reduce surface tension and prevent lungs from collapsing. A recent study may provide a new avenue for therapy by showing that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) helps to regulate surfactant production. When given to premature mice near birth, VEGF can reduce symptoms of surfactant deficiency and relieve respiratory distress (pages 702–710).
- Marlene Rabinovitch
- Richard Bland
