Soluble E-Selectin (sE-Selectin) is Increased at 24 Hours in Premature Baboons that Develop Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) 1728

Abstract

Lung inflammation is a major factor in the development of BPD. Previously, we have found that serum levels of the inflammatory adhesion molecule, sE-Selectin, was higher on day of life one in premature infants that develop BPD than in infants that do not. The goal in this study was to test the hypothesis that sE-Selectin concentrations would increase early in the baboon model of BPD. We measured serum concentrations of sE-Selectin and sP-Selectin at delivery, and at 24, 72 and 120h after delivery in baboons delivered at 75% term gestation. The animals were maintained on mechanical ventilation and supplemental oxygen to maintain normal arterial blood gas values throughout the experimental period. We found that serum levels of sE-Selectin were higher at 24h than at birth and the levels remained increased through 120h. In contrast, we found no differences in sP-Selectin through 120h. These data are similar to findings in premature humans, and suggest that sE-Selectin may be useful as an indicator for developing BPD. In addition, the similarity of the premature human and baboon soluble adhesion molecule profiles in developing BPD, suggests that the mechanisms of lung inflammation may be similar, and that further studies in the baboon model of BPD may provide useful insights into mechanisms of lung inflammation in both the baboon BPD model, and in premature infants.