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The alveolar-epithelial barrier: a target for potential therapy.

Budinger GR, Sznajder JI

Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.

During acute lung injury (ALI), the alveolar-capillary barrier is damaged, resulting in the accumulation of fluid and protein in the alveolar space characteristic of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Disordered epithelial repair may contribute to the development of fibrosis and worsen outcomes in patients who have lung injury. This article discusses novel emerging therapies based on these mechanisms that are designed to preserve the function and promote the repair of the alveolar epithelium in patients who have ALI/ARDS.

Published 6 November 2006 in Clin Chest Med, 27(4): 655-69; abstract ix.
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