Experimental studies on the adult respiratory distress syndrome: elastase infusion in normal and agranulocytic minipigs.

Abstract

The initial phase of the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is clinically characterized by an increase of the pulmonary vascular resistance, an impairment of the gas exchange function, and an increase of the pulmonary capillary permeability. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils, extensively accumulated in the lung (“pulmonary granulocytosis”), seem to play an important role in the early development. Unspecific proteases massively released from these stimulated granulocytes may participate in this complex pathomechanism. Clinical and experimental results indicate now the possible importance of proteases for the development of ARDS.