[Role of Ang-2 in the rats model of LPS-induced acute lung injury].

AIM: To investigate the potential role of angiopoietin-2 in the rats model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI).

METHODS

Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups(n=10): control group; in LPS groups, rats were divided into three subgroups, treated with different dosage of LPS (2 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg). ALI model was established by intravenous injection with LPS, while control group was with NS. The lung histopathology change was observed by HE stain. Western blot was used to measure the expression of Ang-2 in serum.

RESULTS

Histologically, alveolar edema, hemorrhage, and massive inflammatory cell, infiltration were observed in LPS groups, but not in control group. The pathological score in LPS groups were significantly higher than that in NS group. Compared with 2 mg/kg LPS group, the pathological score in 4 mg/kg LPS group was significantly higher. While the pathological score in 8 mg/kg LPS group was higher than those in other LPS groups. The expression of Ang-2 protein in plasma was significantly higher in LPS groups, but weak in control group. Compared with 2 mg/kg LPS group, the expression of Ang-2 protein in 4 mg/kg LPS group was significantly higher. While the expression of Ang-2 protein in 8 mg/kg LPS group was higher than those in other LPS groups.The expression of Ang-2 protein in plasma were significantly positively correlated with the pathological score (r=0.862, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ang-2 could participate the pathological course in the rats model of LPS-induced acute lung injury. The expression of Ang-2 protein in serum was significantly positively correlated with the extent lung injury.