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Effect of meconium aspiration on plasma endothelin-1 level and pulmonary hemodynamics in a piglet model
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Kwei-Shan, Taoyuan, Taiwan. kcy4658@adm.cgmh.com.tw
Abstract:
Sequential changes in plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) and pulmonary hemodynamics were studied in a piglet model of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Sixteen piglets were randomly divided into meconium (MEC) and normal saline (NS) groups (8 animals/group). The animals of the MEC group were instilled with meconium (20% in normal saline) via an endotracheal tube (3 ml/kg), and the animals of the NS group instilled with the same amount of normal saline. The plasma ET-1 as well as pulmonary mechanics, arterial blood gas and hemodynamics were measured at baseline and 60, 120, 180 and 240 min after instillation. The results showed that plasma ET-1 level of the MEC group was significantly higher after meconium aspiration as compared with NS group (p < 0.05 at 60 and 120 min, p < 0.01 at 180 and 240 min). Furthermore, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) increased and remained elevated after 120 min (p < 0.01) and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) increased after 180 min (p < 0.01). The correlation was significant between ET-1 and PVR (r = 0.92, p < 0.001) as well as ET-1 and PAP (r = 0.89, p < 0.001). These data suggest that elevation of ET-1, which has long-lasting vasoconstriction effect, may play an important role of pulmonary hypertension of MAS.
Insights
Elevated endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels correlate with pulmonary hypertension in piglets with meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). This suggests ET-1 plays a key role in MAS-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Physiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a significant cause of respiratory distress in newborns.
- Pulmonary hypertension is a common and serious complication of MAS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the development of pulmonary hypertension in a piglet model of MAS.
- To assess the sequential changes in plasma ET-1 levels and pulmonary hemodynamics following meconium instillation.
Main Methods:
- A piglet model of MAS was established by endotracheal instillation of meconium.
- Plasma ET-1 levels, pulmonary mechanics, arterial blood gases, and hemodynamics were measured sequentially post-instillation.
- Comparison was made between the meconium group and a normal saline control group.
Main Results:
- Plasma ET-1 levels were significantly elevated in the meconium group compared to controls.
- Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) increased significantly in the meconium group.
- Strong positive correlations were observed between ET-1 levels and both PVR and PAP.
Conclusions:
- Elevated ET-1 contributes to the sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction observed in MAS.
- ET-1 may be a critical mediator in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension associated with MAS.
- Targeting ET-1 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for MAS-related pulmonary hypertension.