Catalytic activity of phospholipase A2 in serum in experimental fat embolism in pigs.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the catalytic activity of phospholipase A2 in serum during the early phase of experimental fat embolism.


METHODS
Randomised controlled experimental study.


METHODS
Animal laboratory, Finland.


METHODS
18 domestic pigs weighing 25-31 kg.


METHODS
Allogeneic bone marrow suspension at a dose of 100 mg/kg was infused intracavally in 9 anaesthetised, mechanically ventilated, and haemodynamically monitored pigs; 9 control pigs received saline.


METHODS
Central haemodynamics, blood gases, catalytic activity of phospholipase A2.


RESULTS
In the fat embolism group, there were significant increases in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (p < 0.001), pulmonary vascular resistance (p < 0.001) and pulmonary shunting (p < 0.05) and simultaneously, systemic oxygenation was significantly impaired. The animals with fat embolism developed gradual fever and leucocytosis, whereas the catalytic activity of phospholipase A2 remained relatively unchanged.


CONCLUSIONS
In this experimental model the measurement of serum phospholipase A2 activity does not provide a useful tool for the early detection of experimental fat embolism.
Rautanen
M
M
Department of Surgery, University of Turku, Finland.
Gullichsen
E
E
Grönroos
J
J
Kuttila
K
K
Nelimarkka
O
O
Niinikoski
J
J
Nevalainen
T J
TJ
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002384:Catalysis; D004620:Embolism, Fat / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000652:urine; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics; D008297:Male; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism; D010741:Phospholipases A / Q000097:blood*; D054467:Phospholipases A2; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000652:urine; D011897:Random Allocation; D013552:Swine
D015415:Biomarkers; D010741:Phospholipases A; D054467:Phospholipases A2; D010100:Oxygen