Aprotinin improves pulmonary function during reperfusion in an isolated lung model.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

We hypothesized that the use of aprotinin would ameliorate the reperfusion injury observed after lung transplantation because of a reduction in the inflammatory response.

METHODS:

We used an isolated, whole blood-perfused, ventilated rabbit lung model to study the effects of aprotinin during reperfusion. The control animals (group A, n = 8) underwent lung harvest after pulmonary arterial prostaglandin E1 injection and Euro-Collins preservation flush before saline storage for 18 hours at 4 degrees C. The experimental groups received either a low dose (3,000 KIU/mL; group B, n = 8) or a high dose (10,000 KIU/mL; group C, n = 8) of aprotinin added to the pulmonary flush before storage. Each lung was reperfused at 37 degrees C at a rate of 60 mL/min.

RESULTS:

The arterial partial pressure of oxygen values of group B (low-dose aprotinin) were significantly higher than those of group A (control) after 10 minutes of reperfusion (69.19 +/- 5.69 mm Hg versus 264.30 +/- 48.59 mm Hg, respectively, p = 0.001). Similar results were recorded at 20 and at 30 minutes of reperfusion. Similarly, after 10 minutes of reperfusion, the differences between groups A and C were 69.19 +/- 5.69 mm Hg versus 235.91 +/- 28.63 mm Hg, respectively (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

The addition of aprotinin to the Euro-Collins pulmonary flush significantly improves arterial oxygenation in the early reperfusion period. The enhanced oxygenation suggests that aprotinin may offer protection against early reperfusion injury.

• Authors: M A Mathias, C G Tribble, J F Dietz, R P Nguyen, K S Shockey, J A Kern, I L Kron
• Journal: The Annals of thoracic surgery (Ann Thorac Surg) Vol. 70 Issue 5 Pg. 1671-4 (Nov 2000) ISSN: 0003-4975 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 11093508 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Euro-Collins' solution
• Hypertonic Solutions
• Serine Proteinase Inhibitors
• Aprotinin

Topics

• Animals
• Aprotinin (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Hypertonic Solutions
• In Vitro Techniques
• Lung (physiology)
• Rabbits
• Reperfusion
• Reperfusion Injury (prevention & control)
• Serine Proteinase Inhibitors (administration & dosage, pharmacology)