Sialyl Lewis(x) hybridized complement receptor type 1 moderates acid aspiration injury

The potentially enhanced anti-inflammatory effects of the sialyl Lewis(x) (sLe(x))-decorated version of soluble complement receptor type 1 (sCR1) in moderating acid aspiration injury are examined. HCl was instilled in tracheostomy tubes placed in mice, and extravasation of (125)I-labeled albumin in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was used to calculate the vascular permeability index (PI). Neutrophil counts in BAL fluid and immunohistochemistry were performed. PI was moderated by 82% after treatment with sCR1sLe(x) compared with 54% in sCR1-untreated mice (P < 0.05). Respective reductions in PI in mice treated 0.5 and 1 h after acid aspiration with sCR1sLe(x) of 70 and 57% were greater than the decreases in PI of 45 and 38% observed in respective sCR1-treated groups (P < 0.05). BAL fluid neutrophil counts in sCR1sLe(x)-treated mice were significantly less than those in sCR1-treated animals, which were similar to those in untreated mice. Immunohistochemistry stained for sCR1 only on the pulmonary vascular endothelium of sCR1sLe(x)- but not sCR1-treated mice. In conclusion, sCR1sLe(x) moderates permeability by antagonizing complement activation and neutrophil adhesion. Delayed complement and neutrophil antagonism significantly reduces injury.