Molecular mechanisms of closure of the ductus arteriosus

动脉导管（DA）是主肺动脉和降主动脉之间的胎儿动脉连接，通常在出生后立即关闭。DA是正常和基本的胎儿结构。然而，如果它在出生后仍然是开放的，它就变得不正常了。除了DA的功能性闭合（血管收缩）外，DA的解剖学闭合对于最终DA闭合至关重要。本研究确定了DA特异性下游信号通过PGE 2-EP 4刺激诱导DA的血管重构以促进解剖学闭合。此外，我们发现，其他因素，如钙离子内流通过T型钙通道和生长激素在DA的血管重塑中发挥作用。澄清DA关闭的分子机制将导致开发一种新的治疗策略，专利DA。

The ductus arteriosus (DA), a fetal arterial connection between the main pulmonary artery and the descending aorta, normally closes immediately after birth. The DA is a normal and essential fetal structure. However, it becomes abnormal if it remains patent after birth. In addition to functional closure of the DA (vasoconstriction), anatomical closure of the DA is essential for the final DA closure. The present study identified that the DA-specific downstream signals via PGE2-EP4 stimulation induced vascular remodeling of the DA to promote anatomical closure. Furthermore, we found that other factors such as calcium influx via T-type calcium channels and growth hormone play a role in vascular remodeling in the DA. Clarifying the molecular mechanism of DA closure will lead to develop a novel therapeutic strategy for patent DA.