title: [Normal and abnormal alveolar development].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Alveolar growth predominantly occurs post-natally and is characterised by the multiplication of alveoli, the thinning of inter-alveolar walls, and the maturation of capillary vessels.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Alveolar growth is controlled by numerous factors whose interactions remain poorly understood. Many phenomena can interfere with normal alveolar growth resulting in abnormal development and a reduction in alveolar surface. This is especially the case in premature human neonates, whose lungs are structurally and functionally immature. Oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and airway inflammation may induce alveolar growth disorders in these children, resulting in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further studies are needed to improve our knowledge about alveolar growth regulatory mechanisms so that better strategies can be developed to prevent these respiratory complications in premature neonates.
authors.affiliation: INSERM U492, Faculté de Médecine, 8 rue du général Sarrail, 94000 Créteil. christophe.delacourt@chicreteil.fr
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Delacourt
authors.forename: P-H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Jarreau
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bourbon
mesh_terms: D001997:Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008168:Lung / Q000196:embryology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011247:Pregnancy