EFFECT OF SULFO LEWIS-C ON SMOKE-INHALATION INJURY IN AN OVINE MODEL

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Sulfo Lewis C (SO(3)(-3)aGal(1)(- ) (3)GlcNAc-O(CH2)(8)-COOMe), a putative ligand of selectins, on smoke inhalation injury. Design: Prospective animal study with concurrent c ontrols. Setting: An animal laboratory. Subjects: Twelve 1-yr-old fema le sheep, weighing 24 to 33 kg, Interventions: Twelve sheep received n ine exposure units of smoke generated by thermolysis of pine woodchips (80 g). Group 1 (n = 6) was untreated. Group 2 (n = 6) was treated wi th an intravenous infusion of Sulfo Lewis C after smoke exposure. Anim als were killed 48 hrs after injury. Measurements and Main Results: Ca rdiopulmonary variables and blood gases were measured serially. Granul ocyte free-radical production was measured before smoke exposure and a t 4 and 48 hrs after injury. Ventilation/perfusion distribution ((V) o ver dot (A)/(Q) over dot) was analyzed using the multiple inert gas el imination technique. Granulocyte free-radical production was increased after smoke exposure in both groups. Oxygenation was significantly im proved by the administration of Sulfo Lewis C. (V) over dot (A)/(Q) ov er dot analysis demonstrated significantly less blood flow to low (V) over dot (A)/(Q) over dot lung segments in treated animals. Conclusion s: Selectin blockade attenuated lung injury after smoke exposure. Thes e data support the hypothesis that neutrophils play a pivotal role in smoke inhalation injury.