Effects of recombinant bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (rBPI23) on neutrophil activity in burned rats

Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) is a neutrophil granule protein with potent bactericidal and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-neutralizing activities. The purpose of this study was to determine if a human recombinant BPI product, rBPI23, would influence neutrophil (PMN) sequestration into various tissues in a rat burn injury model. Leukosequestration may produce local tissue injury from proteases and high-energy oxygen species released from PMNs. Rats received tracheostomy and venous cannulation, then received 17 to 20% total body surface area full-thickness contact burns and resuscitation with 20 ml, of intraperitoneal saline. Ten mg/kg body weight rBPI23 in saline was given by intravenous injection immediately after burn injury, followed by intravenous doses of 2 mg/kg at 2 and 4 hours. Control animals received intravenous saline only. PMN retention in lung, liver, spleen, gut, skin, muscle, kidney, and brain tissues was determined by removing (before burn injury) and differentially radiolabeling PMNs (111In) and erythrocytes (51Cr), reinfusing cells 4.5 hours after burn injury, and measuring tissue radioactivity 30 minutes later. Edema was estimated by measuring extravasated 125I-labeled albumin in the various tissues, 30 minutes after injection. Peripheral blood PMNS were analyzed for intracellular H2O2 content by flow cytometry using a fluorescent dye that reacts with H2O2. Radioisotope studies demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) leukosequestration into lung, liver, gut, kidney, and skin tissues at 5 hours after burn injury. Tissue edema, manifested by radiolabeled albumin retention, was not observed in any tissues. Postburn PMN deposition in lungs and skin was decreased (p < 0.05) by the immediate administration of rBPI23 after burn injury. Flow cytometry showed increased intracellular H2O2 content in peripheral blood PMNs 5 hours after burn injury (p < 0.05), which was unaffected by administration of rBPI23. Since sequestration of metabolically active PMNs may induce tissue injury, therapies that block leukosequestration after burn injury may improve clinical outcomes by limiting remote tissue injury.