Perinatal adaption of the fetal lungs and intestine - Branch meeting 3rd February 2011

A presentation by : Dr Sarah Kempster, University of Cambridge, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. on exciting, work recently completed.

Synopsis: Birth, and the transition from the womb to the outside world, involves major adaptation of every organ system of the infant. This is particularly marked in the organs whose primary functions are performed by the placenta in utero, such as the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. As well as taking on new functional roles, both the lungs and intestines are exposed to microorganisms following birth. A further complex adaptation of the intestines following birth is to allow colonisation by commensal organisms whilst maintaining defence against pathogens. Our studies have shown that transcriptome adaptions that occur in these two organs are distinct and in particular the intestines utilise the inflammasome component of the innate immune response. A better understanding of these transcriptome changes will assist the development of theraputics for the treatment of complications associated with premature birth such as respiratory distress and necrotising enterocolitis.