Abstract

Aim: The major part of tissue damage occurs upon reperfusion and is mediated by activated neutrophils that release oxygen free radicals. Following hind-limb ischemia/reperfusion, lung injury due to neutrophil infiltration and oxygen free radicals has been demonstrated. Previous studies have shown that this injury can be prevented pharmacologically. Iloprost is a long acting stable analog of prostacyclin. The aim of this study is to test the effect of iloprost in prevention of lung injury due to lower limb ischemia/reperfusion. Material and Methods: Through a midline laparotomy infrarenal abdominal aorta was approached and cross-clamped in 20 male Spraque-Dawley rats for 2 hours. At the time of declamping Group I animals (n=8) received iloprost (0,1μg/kg/min) and Group II animals (n=8) received normal saline (0,1ml/kg/min) continously for 4 hours. Third group was the sham group (n=4). The lung tissue assays were performed for measurement of lipid peroxidation end product malondealdehyde and also total glutathione. Lung tissues were also examined histopathologically under light microscopy. Results: The malondealdehyde levels in the iloprost group were significantly lower than the control group (p<0,05). The glutathione levels did not show any difference between the iloprost and the control groups (p>0,05). Histopathological examination revealed that the structure of the lung tissue was preserved in the iloprost group whereas lung tissue of the control group had evidence of injury. Conclusion: Our results suggest that iloprost reduces the production of oxygen free radicals and prevents lung injury due to lower limb ischemia reperfusion.

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