Perez Laboratory
The Perez Laboratory focuses on hyperoxic lung injury, neonatal lung and pulmonary vascular development, and the effects of exogenous glucocorticoids on the developing lung. We utilize a neonatal mouse model of hyperoxic lung injury that mimics the lung disease of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a chronic lung disease of formerly premature infants. Our work focuses on the impact of glucocorticoids, medications commonly used in neonatal intensive care unit, on pulmonary development, including effects of steroids on pulmonary vascular signaling.
Research Topics
Hyperoxic Lung Injury
Lung Development
Glucocorticoids
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Contact
Marta Perez, MD
mtperez@luriechildrens.org
Research Highlights
MECHANISMS OF HYDROCORTISONE REGULATION OF THE PERINATAL PULMONARY VASCULATURE
This project focuses on the impact of glucocorticoids on the developing lung. Steroids have long been used in the care of neonatal patients with lung disease, however, their impact on the lung during this critical developmental period is poorly-understood. We aim to study the effects of glucocorticoids on lung architecture, pulmonary vascular development, and nitric oxide signaling pathways. The project utilized a neonatal mouse model of hyperoxic lung injury. This model closely mimics the lung pathology of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a common sequela of prematurity that is often treated with steroids.
