Na+-K+-ATPase gene regulation by glucocorticoids in a fetal lung epithelial cell line

The Na+ channel and Na+-K+-ATPase are essential for the perinatal removal of alveolar solute and fluid. It was hypothesized that maternal glucocorticoids (GCs) increased Na+-K+-ATPase gene expression in a fetal lung epithelial cell line because Na+-pump mRNA and activity increase before birth. The results showed that GCs increased Na+-K+-ATPase transcription in a fetal lung epithelial cell line. The findings suggest important therapeutic implications, one of which is optimizing treatment of premature infants by maternal GCs.