Complement activation contributes to ventilator-induced lung injury in rats.

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Immunology
• Critical Care

Background:

• The complement system plays a role in ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI).
• C1 esterase inhibitor (C1INH) is a potential therapeutic agent for VILI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of C1INH (Berinert®) pretreatment on complement activation and lung injury in a rat model of VILI.
• To assess the impact of C1INH on arterial oxygenation and histological lung damage.

Main Methods:

• Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to mechanical ventilation.
• VILI was induced using high inspiratory pressure (PIP 35 cm H2O, PEEP 0 cm H2O).
• Animals were pretreated with either C1INH (Berinert®) or saline.

Main Results:

• Complement component C3a levels increased in VILI groups compared to controls.
• VILI significantly reduced arterial oxygen tension in both VILI groups.
• Histological analysis showed overdistension and edema in VILI groups.
• C1INH pretreatment did not prevent C3a elevation or improve oxygenation/lung histology.

Conclusions:

• Complement system activation occurs in parallel with impaired oxygenation in VILI.
• C1INH (Berinert®) pretreatment at 100 units/kg did not mitigate systemic complement activation or lung injury in this VILI model.