Bombesin-like peptide and receptors in lung injury models: diverse gene expression, similar function

We previously demonstrated that bombesin-like peptide (BLP) mediates lung i njury in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We now in vestigate gene expression and function of BLP (gastrin-releasing peptide, G RP) and BLP-receptors (GRP-R and BRS-3) in lung from two baboon BPD models. In the "interrupted gestation model," only GRP mRNA was up-regulated. In t he "hyperoxic model," GRP-R mRNA was up-regulated. In lung explants from O- 2-treated animals, all BPD animals responded to 1 nM bombesin, whereas non- BPD animals did not; the opposite effect was observed with a BLP blocking a ntibody. Cumulatively, these observations suggest that novel BLPs and/or BL P receptors are likely to be implicated in the pathogenesis of BPD. (C) 200 0 Published by Elsevier Science Inc.