To test whether
isoprostanes could be used as markers of oxidative stress in horses, their concentration was determined in plasma and in pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF) in 3 models of oxidative stress: (1) strenuous exercise, (2) acute
COPD crisis and (3) exercise combined with
COPD crisis. Four horses were investigated twice, once in crisis and once in remission. The animals underwent a standardised treadmill exercise test.
Isoprostane assessment was performed in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid 24 h before and 1 h after exercise and in plasma also immediately after exercise. Exercise in remission induced a significant increase of
isoprostanes in plasma and in PELF. In horses in crisis, the
isoprostane concentrations did not increase in plasma, while they did increase in PELF. Lastly, exercise in crisis increased plasma levels of
isoprostanes, but did not change PELF
isoprostanes. In conclusion, 1)
isoprostanes are increased by systemic oxidative stress induced by strenuous exercise in
COPD horses in remission either in PELF or in plasma; 2) only PELF and not plasma
isoprostanes are increased by pulmonary oxidative stress induced by
COPD crisis and 3) unexpectedly, exercise in crisis increased plasma but not PELF
isoprostanes.