Effect of autologous transplantation of circulating endothelial progenitor cells on oleic acid-induced acute lung injury in rabbits

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of autologous transplantation of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) on oleic acid-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in rabbits. Methods Thirty New Zealand long ear rabbits weighing 1.8-2.0 kg were randomly divided into 2 groups ( n = 15 each): normal saline group (group NS) and EPC group. ALI was induced by iv oleic acid 80 mg/kg. EPC (106/200 μl) or equal volume of normal saline (NS) was administered iv at 4 h after iv oleic acid injection. Arterial blood samples were obtained before (T0) and at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h (T1-5) after oleic acid injection for blood gas analysis and determination of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration. The animals were then scrificed (at T5 ) and the lungs were removed for microscopic examination and determination of W/D lung weight ratio, Pulmonary infiltration of PMN and non-PMN was counted and hyaline membrane formation and hemorrhage were examined. Results PaO2/FaO2 ratio and serum VEGF concentration were significantly higher in group EPC than in group NS. Infiltration of leukocytes in the lung was significantly reduced by EPC transplantation. EPC also decreased lung water content, hyaline membrane formation and hemorrhage in the lungs. Conclusion Autologous transplantation of circulating EPC can ameliorate oleic acid-induced acute lung injury in rabbits. Key words: Stem cells; Transplantation, autologous; Respiratory distress syndrome,adult