Neutrophil elastase inhibitor ameliorates reperfusion injury in a canine model of lung transplantation.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of neutrophil elastase inhibitor ONO-5046 Na on lung ischemia-reperfusion injury in a canine model of single lung transplantation. METHODS: 24 mongrel dogs, 12 donors and 12 recipients, were used for single lung transplantation. Lung grafts were preserved for 18 h by cold ischemia then transplanted into the left thoracic cavity of recipients. In 6 recipients (ONO group), a bolus of ONO-5046 Na (10 mg/kg) was introduced before reperfusion and followed by continuous infusion (10 mg/kg/h). The remaining 6 recipients (control group) did not receive ONO-5046 Na and thus served as controls. We evaluated lung function and respiratory parameters over 240 min. RESULTS: The total cell number in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid increased significantly in the control group in comparison to that in the ONO group. Histologic scores after 4 h of reperfusion and myeloperoxidase activity were significantly lower in the ONO group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Neutrophil elastase inhibitor ONO-5046 Na may be useful in ameliorating lung reperfusion injury after transplantation.