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

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.

CONCLUSIONS

Neutrophil elastase inhibitor ONO-5046 Na may be useful in ameliorating lung reperfusion injury after transplantation.