Role of mitochondrial calcium uniporter in lung ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the role of mitochondrial calcium uniporter in lung ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)injury in rats. Methods Thirty healthy male Wistar rats, weighing 250-300 g, were randomly divided into 3 groups(n=10 each)using a random number table: sham operation group(group S), group I/R and ruthenium red(mitochondrial calcium uniporter inhibitor)group(group RR). Lung I/R was produced by clamping the left pulmonary hilum for 45 min followed by 2 h reperfusion in I/R and RR groups.In addition, ruthenium red 2.5 mg/kg was injected via the tail vein at 1 h before occlusion of the left pulmonary hilum in RR group.Arterial blood samples were obtained at 2 h of reperfusion for blood gas analysis, and oxygenation index(PaO2/FiO2)was calculated.The rats were sacrificed, and then the lungs were removed for determination of wet/dry lung weight ratio(W/D ratio). Results Compared with group S, oxygenation index was significantly decreased, and W/D ratio was increased in I/R and RR groups.Oxygenation index was significantly higher, and W/D ratio was lower in group RR than in group I/R. Conclusion The mechanism underlying lung I/R injury is related to the opening of mitochondrial calcium uniporter in rats. Key words: Mitochondrial membrane transport proteins; Reperfusion injury; Lung