Figure 2.

Suggested mechanisms for formation of heterogeneous topological zones in the fetal lung following tracheal occlusion (TO). We propose that TO results in a non-uniform distribution of the mechanical stress gradient in the fetal lungs. This non-uniform mechanical stress will be accompanied by variable changes in the different lung zones with respect to 3-D geometry, cellular stress/damage, and lung mast cell response. Ultimately, the interplay between these factors will result in formation of heterogeneous topological zones in fetal lungs with different vectors of biological response.