Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: Using an established rat lung model, we investigated the relationship between VEGF protein expression, oxygenation capacity and structural integrity after extracorporeal ischemia and reperfusion ( ischemia 6 hours at 10 degrees C, reperfusion 50 minutes) and preservation with either low- potassium dextran solution ( Perfadex 40 kD, n = 8) or Celsior (n = 6). Untreated, non-ischemic lungs served as controls (n = 5 per group). Perfusate oxygenation was recorded during reperfusion. An enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) for VEGF protein and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for mRNA splice variants were determined on tissue collected from the left lungs, whereas the right lungs were fixed by vascular perfusion for VEGF immunohistochemistry as well as structural analysis by light and electron microscopy. Tissue collection by systematic uniform random sampling was representative for the whole organ and allowed for quantification of structures by stereological means. RESULTS: After ischemia and reperfusion, the 3 major VEGF isoforms, VEGF(120), VEGF(164) and VEGF(188), were present. VEGF protein expression was reduced, which correlated significantly with perfusate oxygenation (r = 0.736; p = 0.002) at the end of reperfusion. It was inversely related to Type II cell volume (r = 0.600; p = 0.047). VEGF protein was localized by immunohistochemistry in Type II pneumocytes, alveolar macrophages as well as bronchial epithelium, and staining intensity of Type II cells was reduced after ischemia and reperfusion. Alveolar edema did not occur but significant interstitial edema accumulated around vessels and in the blood-gas barrier, which showed a higher degree of epithelial damage after preservation with Celsior compared with the other groups. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | Antonia Fehrenbach, Thomas Pufe, Thorsten Wittwer, Ragi Nagib, Niels Dreyer, Thomas Pech, Wolf Petersen, Heinz Fehrenbach, Thorsten Wahlers, Joachim Richter |
Journal | The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation
(J Heart Lung Transplant)
Vol. 22
Issue 9
Pg. 967-78
(Sep 2003)
ISSN: 1053-2498 [Print] United States |
PMID | 12957606
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Biomarkers
- RNA, Messenger
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
- Oxygen
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Topics |
- Animals
- Biomarkers
- Bronchoalveolar Lavage
- Disease Models, Animal
- Immunohistochemistry
- Male
- Oxygen
(metabolism)
- Pulmonary Alveoli
(pathology, ultrastructure)
- RNA, Messenger
(metabolism)
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Reperfusion Injury
(metabolism, pathology)
- Respiratory Mucosa
(pathology)
- Tissue Fixation
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
(genetics, metabolism)
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