Epimorphin expression in a rat model of pulmonary hypoplasia associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Purpose The pathogenesis of pulmonary hypoplasia associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains unclear. Interactions between the epithelium and surrounding mesenchyme play an important role in normal lung morphogenesis. Epimorphin, a stromal protein, plays a role in epithelial morphogenesis and lung branching, both of which are involved in pulmonary hypoplasia. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between epimorphin and pulmonary hypoplasia associated with CDH in an animal model.