Sepsis-induced lung injury in rats increases alveolar epithelial vulnerability to stretch

OBJECTIVE: Previous in vitro models have shown that cellular deformation causes dose-dependent injury and death in healthy rat alveolar epithelial cells (AECs). We compared the viability of AECs from septic rats with those from nonseptic rats after 1 hr of cyclic equibiaxial stretch. We hypothesized that sepsis would increase stretch-induced cell death. DESIGN: Laboratory investigation. SETTING: University research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Thirty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 240-260 g. INTERVENTIONS: Anesthetized rats were subjected to cecal ligation and double puncture (2CLP) or sham laparotomy without cecal ligation or puncture (sham). After 24 or 48 hrs, AECs were isolated, seeded in custom wells, and maintained in culture for 48 hrs before study. AECs were stretched cyclically (15/min) to a 0%, 12%, 25%, or 37% change in surface area (DeltaSA) for 1 hr. Cell viability, phenotypic markers, and nuclear factor-kappaB intracellular localization were assessed using fluorescent immunocytochemistry. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Phase and fluorescent images were evaluated for all studies. Response to stretch was the same at 24 and 48 hrs after 2CLP. Relative to sham, 2CLP significantly increased cell death at 25 and 37% DeltaSA (p<.003, analysis of variance). Relative to sham, 2CLP did not alter expression of type I or type II phenotypic markers. Nuclear factor-kappaB within the nuclear compartment was observed after 2CLP in unstretched cells and after 1 hr of cyclic stretch at 37% DeltaSA. In sham, nuclear factor-kappaB within the nuclear compartment was seen only after stretch. CONCLUSIONS: AECs isolated from septic rats are more vulnerable to mechanical deformation injury than AECs from nonseptic animals.     

氯胺酮对感染性休克大鼠保护作用的研究

目的　观察氯胺酮对感染性休克大鼠血流动力学、血浆肿瘤坏死因子α( TNFα)和白细胞介素 6 ( IL 6 )水平的影响 ,探讨其可能的抗休克机制。方法　取健康成年雄性 ( SD)大鼠 2 0只 ,采用盲肠结扎加穿孔 ( CL P)法复制败血症或感染性休克模型。随机分为假 CL P组、CL P组、氯胺酮 组和氯胺酮 组。假CL P和 CL P组术前 30 m in经股静脉持续输注生理盐水 5 ml· kg- 1· h- 1 ,氯胺酮 和氯胺酮 组分别输注氯胺酮 5 m g· kg- 1· h- 1和 10 m g· kg- 1· h- 1。经股动脉穿刺置管 ,持续监测平均动脉压 ( MAP)、心率 ( HR)及采集血样 ,应用酶联免疫吸附试验 ( EL ISA)检测血浆 TNFα和 IL 6水平。结果　 CL P组术后 MAP进行性下降 ,HR则先加快后减慢 ;血浆 TNFα和 IL 6水平明显升高。两种剂量的氯胺酮处理均能逆转 MAP和 HR下降 ,同时抑制血浆 TNFα和 IL 6水平升高 ,尤以氯胺酮 组作用更加明显。结论　氯胺酮对败血症或感染性休克大鼠具有明显的保护效应 ,其机制可能主要是拮抗促炎性细胞因子的产生     

Dehydroepiandrosterone decreases mortality rate and improves cellular immune function during polymicrobial sepsis

OBJECTIVE: Sepsis is associated with a marked depression of cellular immune function. The steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is proposed to have immunoenhancing activities. We, therefore, investigated the effect of DHEA on the mortality rate and cellular immune functions in an experimental model of sepsis. DESIGN: Randomized animal study. SETTING: Level I trauma center, university research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Male NMRI mice. INTERVENTIONS: Mice were subjected to laparotomy (sham) or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Mice were treated with (sham/DHEA; CLP/DHEA) or without (sham; CLP) the steroid hormone DHEA (30 mg/kg sc). Animals were killed 48 hrs after the onset of sepsis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The survival rate of septic mice was determined 24 and 48 hrs after onset of sepsis. Forty-eight hours after the septic challenge, a white blood cell count was performed and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1beta concentrations were monitored using ELISA. Furthermore, the delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction was evaluated on the basis of ear pinna swelling after dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) administration, and clinical variables (body weight, temperature, heart rate, fluid input/output, food intake) were monitored using metabolic cages. DHEA administration improved the survival rate (87% vs. 53% after 48 hrs; p <.001). This was accompanied by a restoration of the depressed DTH reaction and a reduction in TNF-alpha serum concentrations (20.7 +/- 1.4 pg/mL vs. 32.4 +/- 6.6 pg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that DHEA administration leads to an increased survival following a septic challenge. The immunoenhancing effect of DHEA is accompanied by a reduction of TNF-alpha release and an improved activity of T-cellular immunity. DHEA administration may, therefore, be beneficial in systemic inflammation.     

儿茶酚胺类药物对脓毒性休克大鼠心肌的影响

目的 :利用生化指标和形态学方法研究儿茶酚胺类药物对脓毒性休克大鼠心脏的影响与机制。方法 :用盲肠结扎穿孔术 (CL P)制成大鼠的脓毒性休克模型。采用多巴酚丁胺 (DB)、去甲肾上腺素 (NE)及两者最小剂量联合应用以纠正血压。动物随机分为假手术对照组、CL P对照组、CL P+DB组、CL P+NE组、CL P+DB+NE组 ,每组各 8只大鼠。心肌损害程度应用血清心肌钙蛋白 I(c Tn I)和肌酸激酶 (CK)浓度来表达 ,用光镜与电镜检查心肌组织形态学变化。结果 :脓毒性休克大鼠 c Tn I升高 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,儿茶酚胺类药物浓度不影响 c Tn I的水平 ;但 CK总量水平在儿茶酚胺治疗组升高 (P均 <0 .0 5 ) ;心肌组织形态学检查与 c Tn I的结果相符合。结论 :脓毒性休克心肌损害由缺血引起 ,没有明确的证据显示儿茶酚胺类药物能加重心肌损害。     

黄芩苷对脓毒症大鼠早期肾功能损伤的保护作用

目的：通过观察黄芩苷对脓毒症大鼠血清中性粒细胞明胶酶相关载脂蛋白（NGAL）浓度的影响,探讨黄芩苷对脓毒症大鼠肾功能损伤的早期保护作用。方法：采用盲肠结扎穿孔术（CLP）制备SD大鼠脓毒症模型。实验大鼠随机分成假手术组、模型组、黄芩苷干预组（每纽各24只）,每组大鼠再随机分为0h、3h、6h、24h4个亚组（每组各6只）。黄芩苷组在造模后立即经腹腔给予黄芩苷120mg／kg共2mL液体,假手术组和模型组则给予等量％0．9氯化钠液腹腔注射。每组大鼠在4个时间点（CLP术后0h、3h、6h、24h）采集血标本和肾组织标本。HE染色观察肾组织病理改变;检测血清NGAL和肌酐浓度和用免疫组织化学法测定肾组织肿瘤坏死因子“（TNF-α）水平。结果：与假手术组相比,模型组大鼠血清NGAL和肌酐浓度显著升高（P〈0．05）,术后3h开始升高,术后24h继续升高;肾组织TNF-α水平也显著升高（P〈0．05）,术后3h开始升高,术后24h仍升高;术后24h肾组织HE染色显示肾组织内大量炎症细胞浸润。与模型组相比,黄芩苷干预组术后3h、6h和24h血清NGAL和肌酐浓度以及肾组织TNF-α水平均显著降低（P〈0．05）,肾脏组织的炎症病理改变也明显减轻。结论：黄芩苷对脓毒症大鼠早期肾功能损伤有保护作用。     

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester reduces mortality and sepsis-induced lung injury in rats

OBJECTIVE: Sepsis and ensuing multiorgan failure continue to be the major causes of mortality in intensive care units. Nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activation is supposed to be one of the targets in the treatment of sepsis. We studied the effectiveness of caffeic phenethyl ester (CAPE), a known NF-kappaB inhibitor, in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis and lung injury. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled animal study. SETTING: Research laboratory of an academic institution. SUBJECTS: Female Sprague-Dawley rats. INTERVENTIONS: CLP was performed in all rats except the rats in control and sham+CAPE groups. CAPE was administered to rats at the time of operation in sham+CAPE and CAPE+sepsis 0 groups. CAPE was administered to rats in the CAPE+sepsis12 group 12 hrs after CLP. Eight rats from each group were killed 24 hrs after CLP. Blood was taken for assessment of interleukin-1, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha; the right lung was removed for histopathologic examination and the left lung for biochemical examination. Apoptosis, inducible nitric oxide synthase, heat shock protein 70, malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were studied. The rest of the rats were observed for mortality. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Mortality was significantly decreased in groups that received CAPE compared with the sepsis group. All cytokine levels were similar to control levels only in the CAPE+sepsis12 group. Apoptosis, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and heat shock protein 70 evaluation were significantly changed between all groups in the following order: control < sham+CAPE< CAPE+sepsis12 < CAPE+sepsis 0 < sepsis. Malondialdehyde and catalase were increased in the sepsis group. CONCLUSIONS: CAPE reduced mortality in sepsis and improved histopathologic variables best when it was administered after the onset of sepsis.     

The activity of tissue factor pathway inhibitor in experimental models of superantigen-induced shock and polymicrobial intra-abdominal sepsis

OBJECTIVES: To study recombinant human tissue factor pathway inhibitor (rhTFPI) in a superantigen-induced shock model and in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of peritonitis in mice. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, experimental study. SETTING: An experimental animal research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Eighty BALB/c mice for the superantigen model, and 56 BALB/c mice for the CLP model. INTERVENTIONS: In the superantigen-induced shock model, animals received rhTFPI (350 mg/kg) subcutaneously every 12 hrs (n = 30) or saline control (n = 30) for 60 hrs after staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB; 10 microg iv) and a sublethal dose of E. coli 0111:B4 lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 75 microg ip). Control groups received SEB alone (n = 10) and LPS alone (n = 10). In the CLP model, rhTFPI or saline was given every 8 hrs for 48 hrs by using a 21-gauge needle (n = 9) or 23-gauge needle (n = 14) for CLP. A sham surgery control group (n = 10) was also included. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: There was 0% mortality in the SEB and LPS control groups. The mortality rate was 64% in the saline control group that received both SEB and LPS (19 of 30), whereas the rhTFPI- treated animals had a mortality rate of 20% (6 of 30; p < .01). The rhTFPI-treated group had significantly lower interleukin-6 levels (61.8 +/- 41 pg/mL vs. 285 +/- 63 pg/mL; p < .05) than the control group but no differences in tumor necrosis factor-alpha or interferon-gamma levels. In the CLP experiment, rhTFPI-treated animals did not have any survival advantage over the control group after the large-bore (21-gauge) needle puncture. The rhTFPI group had significantly improved 7-day mortality rate after CLP with the small-bore needle (23-gauge; 21.4% [rhTFPI] vs. 71.4% [control], p < .01). Plasma LPS, interleukin-6, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were unchanged by rhTFPI treatment, but significantly reduced LPS (p = .006) and IFNgamma (p = .001) levels were found in the peritoneal fluid. CONCLUSIONS: Tissue factor pathway inhibitor significantly improves the mortality rate in models of superantigen-induced shock and polymicrobial intra-abdominal infection, supporting its potential use in clinical trials for septic shock.     

Effects of selective iNOS inhibition on systemic hemodynamics and mortality rate on endotoxic shock in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The purpose of this study was to examine whether selective iNOS inhibition can restore the hemodynamic changes and reduce the nitrotyrosine levels in the cerebral cortex of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes during endotoxin-induced shock. The study was designed to include three sets of experiments: (1) measurement of changes in systemic hemodynamics, (2) measurement of biochemical variables, including iNOS activity and nitrotyrosine formation in the brain, and (3) assessment of mortality rate. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: group 1, control; group 2, LPS: Escherichia coli endotoxin, 10.0 mg/kg (i.v.) bolus; group 3 (i.v.) LPS and L-N6-(1-iminoethyl)-lysine (L-NIL), 4mg/kg (i.p.); and group 4, LPS and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 5 mg/kg (i.p.). In nondiabetic rats, administration of L-NIL prevented the hemodynamic and biochemical changes, and increases in plasma nitrite and cerebral nitrotyrosine levels induced by LPS. Administration of L-NAME partially prevented these LPS-induced changes. On the other hand, in diabetic rats, administration of L-NIL only partially prevented the hemodynamic and biochemical changes, and increases in plasma nitrite and cerebral nitrotyrosine levels associated with LPS. Administration of L-NAME, however, had no effects on these LPS-induced changes in diabetic rats. There was a significant difference in nitrotyrosine levels between nondiabetic and diabetic rats in groups 2, 3, and 4 at 2 and 3 h after the treatment (at 3 h; nondiabetic--control, 4.6 +/- 0.4; LPS (i.v.), 8.9 +/- 1.0, LPS (i.v.) + L-NIL, 4.7 +/- 0.5; LPS (i.v.) + L-NAME, 7.1 +/- 0.9; diabetic--control, 5.5 +/- 0.4; LPS (i.v.), 13.6 +/- 1.2; LPS (i.v.) + L-NIL, 9.0 +/- 0.9; LPS (i.v.) + L-NAME, 13.0 +/- 1.0; densitometric units). Insulin therapy resulted in a decrease in iNOS activity (at 3 h: 1.0 +/- 0.5 fmol mg min), nitrotyrosine formation (at 3 h; 5.0 +/- 0.5, densitometric units), and mortality rates (30% at 6 h, 50% at 12 h) in the LPS (i.v.) + L-NIL group of diabetic rats. Selective iNOS inhibition in diabetic rats could not improve hemodynamic instability, chemical changes, iNOS activity, and nitrotyrosine formation during septic shock compared with the improvements observed in nondiabetic rats. Tight glucose control along with administration of L-NIL can result in more effective restoration of the biochemical changes of septicemia in diabetic rats. Thus, hyperglycemia may be one of the mechanisms related to the aggravation of endotoxin-induced shock.     

Differential effects of vasopressin and norepinephrine on vascular reactivity in a long-term rodent model of sepsis

OBJECTIVE: There is escalating interest in the therapeutic use of vasopressin in septic shock. However, little attention has focused on mechanisms underlying its pressor hypersensitivity, which contrasts with the vascular hyporesponsiveness to catecholamines. We investigated whether a long-term rodent model of sepsis would produce changes in endogenous levels and pressor reactivity to exogenous norepinephrine and vasopressin comparable with those seen in septic patients. DESIGN: In vivo and ex vivo animal study. SETTING: University research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Male adult Wistar rats. INTERVENTIONS AND MEASUREMENTS: Fecal peritonitis was induced in conscious, fluid-resuscitated rats. Biochemical and hormonal profiles were measured at time points up to 48 hrs. Pressor responses to intravenous norepinephrine, vasopressin, and F-180, a selective V1 receptor agonist, were measured at 24 hrs. Contractile responses to these drugs were assessed in mesenteric arteries taken from animals at 24 hrs using wire myography. Comparisons were made against sham operation controls. MAIN RESULTS: Septic rats became unwell and hypotensive, with a mortality of 64% at 48 hrs (0% in controls). Plasma norepinephrine levels were elevated in septic animals at 24 hrs (1968 +/- 490 vs. 492 +/- 90 pg/mL in controls, p = .003), whereas vasopressin levels were similar in the two groups (4.5 +/- 0.8 vs. 3.0 +/- 0.5 pg/mL, p = not significant). In vivo, the pressor response to norepinephrine was markedly reduced in the septic animals, but responses to vasopressin and F-180 were relatively preserved. In arteries from septic animals, norepinephrine contractions were decreased (efficacy as measured by maximum contractile response, Emax: 3.0 +/- 0.3 vs. 4.7 +/- 0.2 mN, p < .001). In contrast, the potency of vasopressin (expressed as the negative log of the concentration required to produce 50% of the maximum tension, pD2: 9.1 +/- 0.04 vs. 8.7 +/- 0.05, p < .001) and F-180 (pD2 8.2 +/- 0.04 vs. 7.6 +/- 0.02, p < .001) was enhanced (n > or = 6 for all groups). CONCLUSIONS: This long-term animal model demonstrates changes in circulating vasoactive hormones similar to prolonged human sepsis, and decreased pressor sensitivity to norepinephrine. Ex vivo sensitivity to vasopressin agonists was heightened. This model is therefore appropriate for the further investigation of mechanisms underlying vasopressin hypersensitivity, which may include receptor or calcium-handling alterations within the vasculature.     

Propofol improves endothelial dysfunction and attenuates vascular superoxide production in septic rats

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of propofol on vascular functions, plasma and endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO), vascular NO, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), as well as vascular production of superoxide anion (O2*-), in septic animals. DESIGN: Prospective, multiexperimental, randomized, controlled studies. SETTING: University research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Male adult Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 350-400 g. INTERVENTIONS: Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), with and without propofol (25 mg/kg/hr) infusion, after sham or CLP (24 hrs postsurgery). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Plasma NOx, basal aortic NOx, and cGMP concentrations all increased, whereas acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR), contractile response, and EDNO all decreased in CLP vs. sham rats (p < .001). Acetylcholine stimulated aortic NOx and cGMP significantly in sham and CLP-propofol (p < .01) but not CLP rats. Thus, propofol ameliorated the CLP-induced increases in plasma NOx, basal aortic NOx, and cGMP. It restored the CLP-induced impairment of EDR, EDNO, and acetylcholine-stimulated aortic NOx and cGMP levels. More O2*- production (measured by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence) was noted in carotid arteries from CLP vs. sham rats (p < .001). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH; 1 mM) stimulated O2*- production in all rings, with significantly more increase in CLP vs. sham (p < .001). Propofol attenuated the excessive increase in O2*- production of CLP rings. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol treatment attenuated the overproduction of NO and O2*-, thus restoring the acetylcholine-responsive NO-cGMP pathway in CLP-induced sepsis. It also significantly improved the CLP-impaired EDR and EDNO in a parallel manner. These beneficial effects of propofol could be accounted for by improvement of the disturbed NO/O2*- balance in sepsis.     

基于STAT3信号通路探讨艾司洛尔对脓毒症大鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用

目的探讨艾司洛尔(ES)对脓毒症大鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用及相关信号通路。方法48只雄性SPF级大鼠随机分为假手术(Sham)组、盲肠结扎穿孔(CLP+NS)组和艾司洛尔干预(CLP+ES)组(每组16只)。Sham组采用盲肠探查术,CLP+NS组、CLP+ES组采用CLP法建立脓毒症大鼠模型。CLP+ES组经颈内静脉微量泵入ES稀释液6 h,Sham组和CLP+NS组给予等质量生理盐水。术后6 h、24 h各组分别处死8只大鼠。采用HE染色,观察脓毒症大鼠肝组织形态学变化,生化分析仪检测血清肝功能指标,酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测肝组织中炎性细胞因子水平,Western blot检测肝组织中STAT3信号通路标志蛋白的表达。结果CLP+NS组脓毒症大鼠肝组织炎性细胞浸润明显,而CLP+ES组炎性细胞减少,肝细胞坏死程度好转。术后6 h、24 h,CLP+NS组血清天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)、丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)和肝组织匀浆中高迁移率族蛋白B-1(HMGB-1)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)均升高(P<0.05);而CLP+ES组较CLP+NS组均降低(P<0.05)。术后6 h,与CLP+NS组比较,CLP+ES组脓毒症大鼠肝组织中磷酸化信号转导和转录激活因子3(p-STAT3)表达水平明显下降(P<0.05),细胞因子信号转导抑制因子3(SOCS3)表达明显上升(P<0.05)。术后24 h,CLP+ES组上述蛋白表达与CLP+NS组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论艾司洛尔通过抑制STAT3信号通路,抑制炎性细胞因子释放,从而发挥对脓毒症大鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用。     

Alteration in diaphragmatic contractility during septic peritonitis in rats: effect of polyethylene glycol-absorbed superoxide dismutase

OBJECTIVES: To assess the alterations in diaphragmatic contractility measured in vitro during experimental septic peritonitis and to evaluate the effect of polyethylene glycol-absorbed superoxide dismutase (PEG-SOD) on the alterations in contractility. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled animal trial. SETTING: Research laboratory. SUBJECTS: A total of 321 male Wistar rats, weighing 250-300 g. INTERVENTIONS: Rats were treated with cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). In the first experiment, diaphragmatic contractility was measured at 4, 10, 12, and 16 hrs after CLP. In the second experiment, PEG-SOD (4,000 units/kg) was administered intraperitoneally, and then diaphragmatic contractility was measured at 10 and 16 hrs after CLP. Levels of lipid peroxides and antioxidant enzymes in the diaphragm tissue were measured at 10 and 16 hrs after CLP. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In experiment 1, diaphragmatic twitch characteristics and force-frequency relationships were determined at 4, 10, 12, and 16 hrs after CLP. In experiment 2, the effects of administration of PEG-SOD on twitch characteristics and force-frequency relationships were determined at 10 and 16 hrs after CLP. The levels of diaphragmatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase activities were measured at 10 and 16 hrs after CLP. Twitch tension and force-frequency curves were significantly lower in the CLP groups than in the sham-operated group. Administration of PEG-SOD attenuated the reduction in twitch tension and the downward shift of force-frequency curves after CLP. Diaphragmatic levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances increased after CLP. However, the administration of PEG-SOD prevented increases in levels of diaphragmatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances after CLP. Diaphragmatic SOD activity, but not glutathione peroxidase activity, was increased after CLP. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-abdominal sepsis (CLP) induced a marked reduction in diaphragmatic contractility, but PEG-SOD attenuated this reduction. Therefore, we conclude that oxygen-derived free radicals play an important role in the alterations in diaphragmatic contractility during intra-abdominal sepsis.     

Treatment with N-acetylcysteine plus deferoxamine protects rats against oxidative stress and improves survival in sepsis

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of multiple organ failure and septic shock. Here we have evaluated the effects of a combination of antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine plus deferoxamine) in a murine model of polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled experiment. SETTING: Animal basic science laboratory. SUBJECTS: Male Wistar rats, weighing 300-350 g. INTERVENTIONS: Rats subjected to CLP were treated with either N-acetylcysteine (20 mg/kg, 3 hrs, 6 hrs, 12 hrs, 18 hrs, and 24 hrs after CLP, subcutaneously) plus deferoxamine (20 mg/kg, 3 hrs and 24 hrs after CLP, subcutaneously) or vehicle with or without "basic support" (saline at 50 mL/kg immediately and 12 hrs after CLP plus ceftriaxone at 30 mg/kg and clindamycin 25 mg/kg every 6 hrs). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After 12 hrs, tissue myeloperoxidase (indicator of neutrophil infiltration), thiobarbituric acid reactive species (as a marker of oxidative stress), catalase and superoxide dismutase activities (antioxidant enzymes), and mitochondrial superoxide production (index of uncoupling of electron transfer chain) were measured in major organs involved in septic response. Rats treated with antioxidants had significantly lower myeloperoxidase activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive species formation in all organs studied. Mitochondrial superoxide production was significantly reduced by antioxidant treatment. Furthermore, antioxidants significantly improved the balance between catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. Survival in untreated septic rats was 10%. Survival increased to 40% with fluids and antibiotics. In rats treated only with N-acetylcysteine plus deferoxamine, survival was also significantly improved (47%) in a manner similar to basic support. Survival increased to 66% with basic support with N-acetylcysteine plus deferoxamine. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide the first experimental demonstration that N-acetylcysteine plus deferoxamine reduces the consequences of septic shock induced by CLP in the rat, by decreasing oxidative stress and limiting neutrophil infiltration and mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby improving survival.     

Oxidative variables in the rat brain after sepsis induced by cecal ligation and perforation

OBJECTIVE: The underlying mechanisms of the changes in mental status, septic encephalopathy, and long-term cognitive symptoms in sepsis survivors have only been defined in part. The present study was undertaken to assess different variables of oxidative stress in several brain structures after cecal ligation and perforation in the rat. DESIGN: Prospective animal study. SETTING: Animal basic science laboratory. SUBJECTS: Male Wistar rats, weighing 250-350 g. INTERVENTIONS: Rats were subjected to cecal ligation and perforation (sepsis group) with saline resuscitation (at 50 mL/kg immediately and 12 hrs after cecal ligation and perforation) or sham operation (control group). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Oxidative damage, assessed by the thiobarbituric acid reactive species and the protein carbonyl assays, occurred early (after 6 hrs) in the course of sepsis development in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and cortex. At longer times after sepsis induction (12-96 hrs), there was no evidence of oxidative damage in all analyzed structures. Except for the striatum, earlier in sepsis development (6 hrs) we demonstrated an increase in superoxide dismutase activity without a proportional increase in catalase activity with a consequent increase in the relation of superoxide dismutase/catalase. The balance between these enzymes was restored in the studied structures 12-96 hrs after sepsis induction. CONCLUSIONS: The short-term oxidative damage demonstrated here could participate in the development of central nervous system symptoms during sepsis development, or even septic encephalopathy. The alterations in the superoxide dismutase/catalase relation were temporally related to the occurrence or not of oxidative damage in the central nervous system.     

丙酮酸乙酯对脓毒症大鼠肠黏膜屏障功能保护作用的研究

目的 观察丙酮酸乙酯(ethyl pyruvate ,EP)干预治疗对脓毒症大鼠生存率和肠黏膜屏障的影响.方法 ①EP对脓毒症大鼠生存率的影响:无特定病原雄性SD大鼠100只随机分为假手术组(A组)、脓毒症组(B组)、EP早期治疗组(C组)及EP延迟治疗组(D组),每组25只,利用盲肠结扎穿孔法(cecal ligation and puncture,CLP)制作大鼠脓毒症模型,各组均于术后6、12、18、24、36、48、60、72 h腹腔内注射给药3 mL,C、D组分别于术后6、12 h开始予EP(40 mg/kg),A、B两组同法予等量林格乳酸钠溶液(ringer lactate solution ,RLS),每隔12 h记录死亡情况,分析比较5 d生存率;②EP对脓毒症大鼠肠黏膜屏障的影响:80只无特定病原雄性SD大鼠随机分为四组,每组20只,分组及给药方法与方法一相同,术后24、48 h各处死10只.测定各时间点血浆D-乳酸、DAO的变化,同时用透射电镜观察术后48 h肠黏膜上皮细胞超微结构的变化.采用Kaplan- Meier生存分析法进行生存分析,多组均数间比较采用单因素方差分析的方法, 多组均数间两两比较采用SNK-q检验,P＜0.05为差异有统计学意义.结果 A、B、C、D四组大鼠5 d生存率分别为100%、24%、68%、56%,与B组相比,C、D组大鼠5 d生存率明显提高(P<0.05),C、D组间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);与B组相比,C、D组术后24 h和48 h血浆D-乳酸含量明显下降(P<0.01);与B组相比,C组、D术后24 h和48 h血浆DAO活性明显下降(P<0.01),C、D组术后24、48 h血浆D-乳酸含量、DAO活性差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);电镜下C、D组肠黏膜上皮细胞损伤较B组明显减轻,细胞间紧密连接较清楚.结论 脓毒症时肠黏膜损伤严重,EP早期与延迟干预治疗能有效保护肠黏膜屏障,提高5 d生存率,具有抗脓毒症作用 .     

血必净注射液对脓毒症大鼠血栓调节蛋白及内皮蛋白C受体基因表达的影响

目的探讨血必净注射液对脓毒症大鼠血栓调节蛋白（TM）及内皮蛋白C受体（EPCR）基因表达的影响。方法采用盲肠结扎穿孔术（CLP）制备脓毒症模型。将96只健康Wistar大鼠按随机数字表法分为正常对照组、假手术组、模型组和血必净治疗组,后两组又按处死时间分为术后2、8、24、48和72h亚组,每组8只。留取肝、肺组织,分别检查各组动物组织TM和EPCR的mRNA表达。结果正常对照组和假手术组肝、肺组织TM和EPCR的mRNA有一定表达。CLP后2h肝、肺组织TM和EPCR的mRNA表达无明显变化（P均〉0.05）,8～48h肝、肺组织TM和EPCR的mRNA表达均有不同程度的增强（P均〈0.01）,至伤后72h基本恢复到术前水平（P均〉0.05）;与模型组比较,血必净治疗组CLP后8h和24h组织TM和EPCR的mRNA表达均有不同程度下降,48h和72h的基因表达有不同程度提高。结论血必净注射液可以从基因水平影响脓毒症动物组织TM及EPCR的基因表达。     

Delayed ascorbate bolus protects against maldistribution of microvascular blood flow in septic rat skeletal muscle

OBJECTIVE: Although early administration of ascorbate has been shown to protect against the microvascular dysfunction in sepsis, it is not clear if a delayed introduction of ascorbate also yields beneficial effects. The main objective was to determine the therapeutic window for treatment of an animal model of sepsis with bolus injection of ascorbate. We also determined if sepsis per se affects urinary excretion of ascorbate. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled laboratory study. SETTING: Animal laboratory in a university-affiliated research institute. SUBJECTS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats, 300-400 g of body weight. INTERVENTIONS: Rats were made septic by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) and volume resuscitated by continuous saline infusion. Ascorbate bolus (7.6 mg/100 g of body weight) or saline vehicle was injected intravenously at 1, 6, or 24 hrs after CLP. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: At 24 hrs post-CLP, sepsis caused antidiuresis and decreased plasma ascorbate concentration, but it did not affect urinary excretion of ascorbate in rats that received only saline. Sepsis also caused maldistribution of capillary blood flow in skeletal muscle. This maldistribution of flow was prevented by ascorbate injected at 6 hrs post-CLP. At 48 hrs post-CLP, in addition to the flow maldistribution, sepsis caused systemic arterial hypotension and fever that were prevented by both immediate (1 hr post-CLP) and delayed injections of ascorbate (24 hrs post-CLP). CONCLUSION: Despite volume resuscitation, the present model of sepsis resulted in maldistribution of capillary blood flow within 24 hrs and hypotension within 48 hrs. Our finding that intravenous bolus of ascorbate can protect against these deficits even if delayed 6-24 hrs after the septic insult shows, for the first time, that ascorbate can reverse microcirculatory dysfunction after the onset of sepsis.     

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor enhances host defenses against bacterial pneumonia following peritonitis in nonneutropenic rats

OBJECTIVE: Polymorphonuclear cell functions frequently are impaired in critically ill patients, and restoration of normal functions could help to prevent nosocomial infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pretreatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on bacterial pneumonia induced 48 hrs after peritonitis (cecal ligation and puncture [CLP]) in rats. DESIGN: Controlled animal study. SETTING: Research laboratory of an academic institution. SUBJECTS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats. INTERVENTIONS: First, the CLP model was characterized. Second, alveolar endotoxin instillation allowed us to evaluate the ability of neutrophils to migrate to airspaces after CLP was assessed. In the last set of experiments, CLP was followed by G-CSF treatment as a preventive therapy for subsequent bacterial superinfection induced by alveolar instillation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: CLP induced a brief increase in proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta) at the 6th hr followed by a longer-lived anti-inflammatory response (interleukin-10 increase from days 1 to 3) in plasma, compared with healthy rats. Impaired neutrophil migration to alveolar spaces denoting immunoparalysis was evidenced after endotracheal endotoxin instillation following CLP, compared with non-CLP rats challenged with endotoxin. No such impairment was found when G-CSF (100 microg/kg: glycosylated recombinant human G-CSF, Lenograstim) was given before endotoxin. G-CSF (100 microg/kg 24 and 48 hrs after CLP) given before endotracheal instillation increased bacterial clearance, as shown by counts in both bronchoalveolar lavage (8.9 x 10 +/- 2.8 x 10 colony-forming units/mL vs. 3.3 x 10 +/- 1.5 x 10 colony-forming units/mL with saline) and lung tissue (4.2 x 10 +/- 1.0 x 10 colony-forming units/g vs. 1.5 x 10 +/- 0.6 x 10 colony-forming units/g with saline). Furthermore, G-CSF pretreatment kept clearance in CLP rats similar to that in non-CLP rats challenged with. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that G-CSF (Lenograstim) may enhance host defenses in rats with peritonitis and immunoparalysis.     

内源性一氧化碳对感染性休克大鼠器官保护作用及机制研究

目的探讨内源性一氧化碳（CO）对感染性休克大鼠肺、肝组织的保护作用及其机制。方法采用盲肠结扎穿孔术（CLP）复制感染性休克模型，按随机数字表法将96只大鼠分为假手术对照组、CLP组、CLP＋氯血红素（Hm）组和CLP＋锌原卟啉（ZnPP）组。各组分别在制模后2、4和6h测定出入肺血中碳氧血红蛋白（COHb）水平；肺、肝组织及血液中丙二醛（MDA）含量及超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性；光镜下观察肺、肝组织形态学改变；免疫组化分析血红素加氧酶-1（HO-1）在肺、肝组织中的蛋白表达和分布。结果与假手术对照组比较，CLP组大鼠不同时间点的出入肺血中COHb水平以及肺、肝组织和全血中MDA含量均显著增高（P〈0．05或P〈0．01），SOD活性显著下降（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）；光镜下肺、肝组织损伤严重，HO-1蛋白表达增多。给予Hm后不同时间点，出、入肺血中的COHb水平均较CLP组进一步升高，肺、肝组织及全血中MDA含量均显著下降，SOD活性显著增高；光镜下肺、肝组织损伤明显缓解，HO-1蛋白表达进一步增多。结论感染性休克时内源性CO产生增多可能对肺、肝组织发挥了保护作用。     

脓毒症大鼠脾脏淋巴细胞凋亡的实验研究

目的 观察脓毒症大鼠脾脏T、B淋巴细胞的数量变化及细胞凋亡情况,探讨脓毒症时免疫失衡的机制.方法 健康雄性Wistar大鼠80只,按随机数字表法分为假手术组(30只)、模型组(50只).采用盲肠结扎穿孔术(CLP)制备脓毒症大鼠模型,于制模后6、12、24、48、96 h活杀动物取脾脏,行苏木素-伊红(HE)染色,光镜下观察脾脏组织病理变化;采用免疫组化法检测脾脏CD4~+、CD8~+T淋巴细胞和B淋巴细胞以及Bax、Bcl-2蛋白表达;采用原位末端缺刻标记法(TUNEL)检测脾脏细胞凋亡指数.结果 光镜下观察模型大鼠脾脏白髓逐渐萎缩,淋巴小结结构破坏.制模6、12、24、48、96 h,模型组大鼠脾脏CD4~+T淋巴细胞数、B淋巴细胞数、Bcl-2蛋白表达均较假手术组明显降低(P均<0.01),CD8~+T淋巴细胞数与假手术组比较差异无统计学意义(P均>0.05),细胞凋亡指数及Bax蛋白表达均较假手术组显著增加(P均<0.01).相关分析表明:Bcl-2蛋白表达与细胞凋亡指数呈负相关(r=0.659,P<0.01),而Bax蛋白表达与细胞凋亡指数呈正相关(r=0.522,P<0.01).结论 脓毒症早期免疫功能处于紊乱状态,表现为脾脏CD4~+T淋巴细胞数、B淋巴细胞数减少,细胞凋亡显著增加;Bax、Bcl-2在脓毒症脾细胞凋亡中发挥了关键作用.