Lipid hydroperoxide formation regulates postnatal rat lung cell apoptosis and alveologenesis

►Birth results in increased intrapulmonary O2 tension and lipid peroxidation. ► Lipid hydroperoxides trigger postnatal alveologenesis and physiological apoptosis. ► Treatment with DPPD, a lipid hydroperoxide scavenger, arrests these processes. ► Effects of DPPD are reversed by concurrent treatment with t-butylhydroperoxide.