Our findings show a change in the expression of VEGF, VEGFR-1/2 and eNOS in CDH induced by nitrofen after 30, 60, and 90 min of mechanical ventilation, suggesting that the VEGF-NO pathway plays an important role in the honeymoon period in experimental CDH and could be a target for novel therapies. This evidence concerns the gene FLT1 and congenital diaphragmatic hernia.