Activated protein C treatment in an experimental model of broncopulmonary dysplasia

Backraund:Broncopulmonary dysplasia occurs with inflammation, fibrosis, and maturation defects of lungs of preterm babies. The serine protease activated protein C (APC) possesses prominent anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory actions. In the present investigation, we evaluated therapeutic effect of intraperitoneal instillation of APC on the hyperoxic lung injury in the rat.Metod:The experiment was begun on postnatal day 3 and continued through postnatal day 13. Three groups were defined. The rats belonging to group 1 were designated as control group and kept in room air without exposure to hyperoxia. Group 2 (saline with hyperoxia), Group 3 (APC treatment with hyperoxia) were kept in Plexiglas chamber. All of the rats are sacrified postnatally on the 14th day. Lung tissues are removed by toracotomy. Histopathologic research and cytokine expressions were evaluated.Results:Vascular congestion, decrease in elastic fibrills in small airways, thickening of the interalveoler septum and diffuse alveolar obstruction were getting better with APC therapy. Cytokine expressions like IL-1 beta, IL-6 and TNF-alfa are also statistically diminished.Conclusions:Our results suggest treatment with APC during hyperoxia exposure is associated with improved alveolar structure, and decreased fibrosis. Therefore, we conclude that treatment of preterm infants with APC might reduce the risk of developing BPD.