Abstract

Background
：Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and neutrophil appear to contribute to the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Reactive oxygen species, as well as elastase released from activated neutrophil, are thought to play pivotal roles in the experimental models of acute lung leak. This study investigated whether aerosolized vitamin E can attenuate acute lung injury induced by IL-1 in rats. Materials and Methods：We intratracheally instilled either saline or IL-1 with and without pretreatment with aerosolized vitamin E in rats. After 5 hours of intratracheal instillation, lung lavage neutrophils, lung lavage protein concentration, lung myeloperoxidase(MPO) activity and lung wet weight to dry weight ratio(WW/DW) were measured in rat.
Results
：In rats given IL-1 intratracheally, lung lavage neutrophils, lung lavage protein concentration, lung MPO activity and WW/DW were higher. Pretreatment with aerosolized vitamin E decreased lung lavage neutrophils, lung MPO activity and WW/DW in rats given IL-1 intratracheally.
Conclusion
：These results suggest that direct pulmonary supplement of vitamin E decreases lung inflammation and leak in rats given IL-1 intratracheally.

• Keywords: Acute lung injury, Interleukin-1, Aerosolized vitamin E;