It is known that the final stages of lung development occur in the last stages of pregnancy, which is why premature babies are at greater risk of developing respiratory diseases.
A study conducted with mice has shown that a calcium receptor molecule plays a fundamental role in the formation and development of the lungs in the fetus.
The results of the study suggest that it could help prevent such respiratory diseases in premature babies. The scientists were able to manipulate the lung development of the mice through calcium receptor control.
The research, conducted by the University of Cardiff and published in the Journal of Physiology, also notes that there are already medications that can be used to alter the functioning of the calcium receptor.
Paul Kemp, director of the study, states that
"If we can demonstrate that one of these drugs is capable of modulating the action of the calcium receptor in the lungs, the medication could be used to facilitate the lung development of premature babies."
It would be about an important advance, since chronic lung diseases are one of the most common problems of premature babies. Hopefully new studies continue along this hopeful path.
