[Changes in selectin in early stage of lung injury induced by endotoxic shock in macaque]

To investigate the change in selectin and its effect on lung injury induced by endotoxic [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] shock in macaque.

Eleven macaques were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n=5) and LPS group (n=6). The animals of the control group received injection of 1 ml/kg normal saline, and the animals of the LPS group received a dose of 2.8 mg/kg LPS intravenously. The plasma contents of P-selectin and L-selectin were assayed before LPS challenge, 60 and 120 minutes after LPS challenge. Ultrastructure of lung tissue and immunohistochemical assay of P-selectin and L-selectin in the lung were observed.

Administration of LPS did not changed P-selectin level in plasma, but decreased the L-selectin level at 120 minutes after LPS challenge in both groups (all P<0.05). By immunohistochemical staining, P-selectin and L-selectin were identified on endothelial cells of alveolar wall of LPS animals, whereas no positive staining of P-selectin and L-selectin was showed in control animals. Damages to alveolar type I and II cells, slight transudation of red blood corpuscles, and damage to the basement membrane were observed with electron microscopy in the endotoxin challenged macaques. No pathological changes were observed in the control group.

Administration of LPS induces expression of P-selectin and L-selectin in alveolar wall and causes alveolar damages in early-phase of endotoxic shock. In the meantime, the L-selectin and P-selectin in plasma do not change. The selectins play an important role in the pathogenesis of lung injury in the early-phase of endotoxic shock.