Neutralization of the VEGF-A pathway by adenoviral overexpression of the soluble VEGFR-1 (sVEGFR-1) or splenectomy improved survival and therefore the authors proposed a possible role of splenic VEGF-A production in experimental MA-ALI (Epiphanio et al., 2010). This evidence concerns the gene FLT1 and acute respiratory distress syndrome.