Endobronchial perfluorocarbon reduces inflammatory activity before and after lung transplantation in an animal experimental model.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of liquid perfluorocarbon (PFC) as an adjuvant substance for lung preservation and assess its role in pulmonary protection after transplantation.


METHODS
Seventy-two rat lungs were flushed with low-potassium dextran (LPD) solution and randomized into three main groups: control with LPD alone and experimental with 3 (PFC3) and 7 mL/kg (PFC7) of endobronchial PFC instilled just after harvest. Each group was divided into four subgroups according to preservation time (3, 6, 12, and 24 hours). Afterwards, we performed lung transplantation using rat lungs preserved for 12 hours with LPD alone or with 7 mL/kg of endobronchial PFC.


RESULTS
There was a significant increase in oxidative stress in the control group at 6 h of cold ischemic time compared with the PFC3 and PFC7 groups. The apoptotic activity and NF-κB expression were significantly higher in the control group compared with the PFC groups at 3, 12, and 24 h of cold preservation. After transplantation, the NF-κB, iNOS, and nitrotyrosine expression as well as caspase 3 activity were significantly lower in the PFC groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of endobronchial PFC as an adjuvant to the current preservation strategy improved graft viability.
Postgraduate Program in Pulmonology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 90040-060 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil ; Methodist University (IPA), 906301-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil ; Thoracic Surgery Department, Laboratory of Airways and Lung, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Ramiro Barcelos 2.350, 90035-903 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Luiz Alberto
LA
Forgiarini Junior
Thoracic Surgery Department, Laboratory of Airways and Lung, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Ramiro Barcelos 2.350, 90035-903 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Arthur Rodrigo Ronconi
AR
Holand
Thoracic Surgery Department, Laboratory of Airways and Lung, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Ramiro Barcelos 2.350, 90035-903 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Luiz Felipe
LF
Forgiarini
Thoracic Surgery Department, Laboratory of Airways and Lung, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Ramiro Barcelos 2.350, 90035-903 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Darlan Pase
DP
da Rosa
Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), 92425-900 Canoas, RS, Brazil.
Norma Anair Possa
NA
Marroni
Department of Cardiopneumology, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM 61), Heart Institute (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, 05403-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Paulo Francisco Guerreiro
PF
Cardoso
Postgraduate Program in Pulmonology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 90040-060 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil ; Thoracic Surgery Department, Laboratory of Airways and Lung, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Ramiro Barcelos 2.350, 90035-903 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil ; Santo Antônio Children's Hospital, 90020-090 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Cristiano Feijó
CF
Andrade
D000818:Animals; D001980:Bronchi / Q000187:drug effects; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation; D016040:Lung Transplantation; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D009926:Organ Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000517:prevention & control
D005466:Fluorocarbons