Prostaglandin Infusion and Endotoxin-Induced Lung Injury

Abstract

• The use of prostaglandins is currently undergoing clinical trials in respiratory failure accompanying sepsis. The effect of prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁) and prostacyclin (PGI₂) infusion on endotoxin-induced lung injury, with attention to interstitial fluid flux (Q_L), pulmonary vascular pressure (P[unk]), leukocytes, platelets, and release of the lysosomal enzyme β-glucuronidase, was investigated. A chronic lung lymph fistula model in sheep was used. Seven sheep alternately received Escherichia coli endotoxin and endotoxin plus PGE₁ at a dosage of 1 μg/kg/min. Six sheep received PGI₂ (0.2 μg/kg/min) instead of PGE₁. Both PGE₁ and PGI₂ decreased the pulmonary hypertension and the interstitial edema produced by endotoxin primarily through their vasodilatory properties. Prostacyclin seemed to have an additional membrane-stabilizing effect. A rebound increase in Q_L, P[unk], and platelets occurred when PGE₁ or PGI₂ infusion was discontinued. (Arch Surg 1982;117:175-180)