Models used to study intestinal vascular development and function using HHF NEC induction protocol in neonatal pups, using inhibition, deletion or down regulation on VEGF-related pathways. Fetal exposure to inflammation (using LPS) in utero (E16–20) followed by NEC induction at P0-1 also explored to determine chorioamnionitis impact on vasculature development and susceptibility to NEC. Addition of TNF shown to worsen NEC severity via decreased VEGF/VEGFR2 activity but prevented by DMOG (via HIF1a). This evidence concerns the gene KDR and necrotizing enterocolitis.