Hyperoxic lung injury in mice: A possible protective role for prostacyclin

Arachidonic acid metabolites have biologic properties that can mimic the pulmonary changes produced by hyperoxic exposure, but little information is available regarding their importance in this setting. The role of prostacyclin (PGI₂) and thromboxane (Tx) A₂ in oxygen-induced lung injury was evaluated by exposing mice to 100% oxygen for up to 4 days and measuring plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid concentrations of 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1α) (6-keto-PGF(1α)), a metabolite of PGl₂, and TxB₂, a metabolite of TxA₂. To determine whether a relationship exists between changes in these arachidonic acid metabolites and the severity of the lung injury, we also measured mortality, BAL protein concentration, BAL angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, and plasma lactate dehydrogenase activity, and we examined lung sections by light and electron microscopy. After 3 days of exposure to 100% oxygen, microscopic and biochemical changes consistent with mild lung damage were found, but there was no increase in either plasma or BAL 6-keto-PGF(1α) concentration. On day 4, severe lung damage was present and BAL 6-keto-PGF(1α) level increased threefold (P < 0.001). The level of TxB₂ in BAL fluid did not change on any day. Twice-daily administration of either a high (5 mg/kg) or a low (1 mg/kg) dose of indomethacin reduced BAL concentrations of 6-keto-PGF(1α), and it resulted in increased mortality and higher BAL protein concentration and BAL ACE activity. These data suggest that TxA₂ has little if any role in the pathogenesis of oxygen-induced lung injury, whereas prostacyclin may play a protective role.