Biomaterial Database

Endotoxin-induced increased alveolar capillary membrane permeability. 1977

P Fischer, and J E Millen, and F L Glauser

In an attempt to define the effects of endotoxin on the permeability of the pulmonary alveolar capillary membrane (ACM) to a variety of substances [molecular weight (MW) varying from 60 to 69,000], we studied the movement of specific molecular species from the pulmonary capillary blood to the saline-filled "alveolus," employing an in vivo dog lung model. Following endotoxin injection (2-2.5 mg/kg) baseline T1/2 values (time, in minutes, for 50% equilibration of the specific solute between the blood and the saline-filled lung) decreased as follows (compared to baseline values): urea (MW 60) - 42.5 +/- 24 to 21.3 +/- 18; sucrose (MW 360) - 201 +/- 72 to 76 +/- 53; 3,000 MW dextran - 1,275 +/- 746 to 686 +/- 433; 10,400 MW dextran - 1,871 +/- 845 to 1,052 +/- 630 (all p less than 0.05). Neither 20,000 MW dextran nor albumin (MW 69,000) showed an increased permeability following endotoxin injection. Histamine analysis revealed a significant increase in all lung liquid samples post-endotoxin injection without a significant increase in blood histamine values. We conclude that, acutely (within 4 hr of injection), endotoxin causes an increase in permeability of the ACM for substances up to 10,400 MW. The role of histamine in this increased permeability remains controversial.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008168	Lung	Either of the pair of organs occupying the cavity of the thorax that effect the aeration of the blood.	Lungs
D008970	Molecular Weight	The sum of the weight of all the atoms in a molecule.	Molecular Weights,Weight, Molecular,Weights, Molecular
D011650	Pulmonary Alveoli	Small polyhedral outpouchings along the walls of the alveolar sacs, alveolar ducts and terminal bronchioles through the walls of which gas exchange between alveolar air and pulmonary capillary blood takes place.	Alveoli, Pulmonary,Alveolus, Pulmonary,Pulmonary Alveolus
D002199	Capillary Permeability	The property of blood capillary ENDOTHELIUM that allows for the selective exchange of substances between the blood and surrounding tissues and through membranous barriers such as the BLOOD-AIR BARRIER; BLOOD-AQUEOUS BARRIER; BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER; BLOOD-NERVE BARRIER; BLOOD-RETINAL BARRIER; and BLOOD-TESTIS BARRIER. Small lipid-soluble molecules such as carbon dioxide and oxygen move freely by diffusion. Water and water-soluble molecules cannot pass through the endothelial walls and are dependent on microscopic pores. These pores show narrow areas (TIGHT JUNCTIONS) which may limit large molecule movement.	Microvascular Permeability,Permeability, Capillary,Permeability, Microvascular,Vascular Permeability,Capillary Permeabilities,Microvascular Permeabilities,Permeabilities, Capillary,Permeabilities, Microvascular,Permeabilities, Vascular,Permeability, Vascular,Vascular Permeabilities
D003911	Dextrans	A group of glucose polymers made by certain bacteria. Dextrans are used therapeutically as plasma volume expanders and anticoagulants. They are also commonly used in biological experimentation and in industry for a wide variety of purposes.	Dextran,Dextran 40,Dextran 40000,Dextran 70,Dextran 75,Dextran 80,Dextran B-1355,Dextran B-1355-S,Dextran B1355,Dextran B512,Dextran Derivatives,Dextran M 70,Dextran T 70,Dextran T-40,Dextran T-500,Hemodex,Hyskon,Infukoll,Macrodex,Polyglucin,Promit,Rheodextran,Rheoisodex,Rheomacrodex,Rheopolyglucin,Rondex,Saviosol,Dextran B 1355,Dextran B 1355 S,Dextran T 40,Dextran T 500
D004285	Dogs	The domestic dog, Canis familiaris, comprising about 400 breeds, of the carnivore family CANIDAE. They are worldwide in distribution and live in association with people. (Walker's Mammals of the World, 5th ed, p1065)	Canis familiaris,Dog
D004927	Escherichia coli Infections	Infections with bacteria of the species ESCHERICHIA COLI.	E coli Infections,E. coli Infection,Infections, E coli,Infections, Escherichia coli,E coli Infection,E. coli Infections,Escherichia coli Infection,Infection, E coli,Infection, E. coli,Infection, Escherichia coli
D006439	Hemodynamics	The movement and the forces involved in the movement of the blood through the CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM.	Hemodynamic
D006632	Histamine	An amine derived by enzymatic decarboxylation of HISTIDINE. It is a powerful stimulant of gastric secretion, a constrictor of bronchial smooth muscle, a vasodilator, and also a centrally acting neurotransmitter.	Ceplene,Histamine Dihydrochloride,Histamine Hydrochloride,Peremin
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia