Aquaporin (AQP)-1 and AQP-4 expression in lung tissues of SD rats during high altitude hypoxic
lung injury, and the relationship between AQP-1 and AQP-4 expression, and acute hypoxic
lung injury was analyzed. Thirty six healthy SD rats were divided into
hypoxia 1d, 2d, 3d, 5d, and 7d groups and control group (N = 6). Pathological changes in lung tissue were observed by
hematoxylin and
eosin staining;
lung injury was scored, and ultrastructural changes in lung tissue were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Changes in moisture content in lung tissues were determined by analyzing the wet/dry weight ratio (W/D). Localization of AQP-1 and AQP-4 was determined by immunohistochemistry. AQP-1 and AQP-4 expression were detected by western blot. Lung W/D was lower in
hypoxia groups than in control group, and the highest in 3d group (P < 0.05). Light microscopy revealed a thickening alveolar wall and outstretched and congestive alveolar wall in
hypoxia group; electron microscopy revealed the presence of abnormal alveolar type II epithelial cells, cavitation in cytoplasm, microvillus-like protrusions, and a reduced lamellar body. AQP- 1 and AQP-4 were mainly distributed in the capillaries and lymphatic and alveolar epithelial cells and airway epithelial cells, respectively. AQP-1
protein expression was decreased (western blot) in
hypoxia 1d group (the lowest in 3d group; P < 0.05); there were no significant changes about AQP- 4 expression. Therefore, AQP-1 may be involved in abnormal transport of liquid ALI and pathogenesis of lung
edema. AQP-4 may not be involved in the formation of ALI lung
edema.