Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in fetal rats due to maternal ingestion of 2,4-dichlorophenyl-p-nitrophenyl ether (Nitrofen) results in a profound pulmonary hypoplasia, while not affecting the growth of other organs. We hypothesized that epidermal growth factor (EGF), believed to have a role in growth of the fetal lung, may play a role in this pulmonary hypoplasia. After maternal ingestion of Nitrofen (115 mg/kg) on day 11 of a 21 day gestation (n=10 litters), rat fetuses on day 21 with CDH (59% of all fetuses) were compared to littermates without CDH. Organs were harvested and EGF was determined in lung, liver and kidney by RIA. Data are mean ± s.e.m. Table

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We conclude that EGF is significantly reduced per lung and per gram of lung in the CDH fetuses, implying a significant role for this growth factor in the pulmonary hypoplasia seen in CDH. We speculate that CDH may interfere with production of pulmonary EGF and, in part, lead to subsequent severe pulmonary hypoplasia. In this model, mechanical compression of the lung may inhibit EGF production and subsequent pulmonary growth.