Effect of Sulfo Lewis C on smoke inhalation injury in an ovine model

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Sulfo Lewis C (SO₃^{- 3}aGal₁³GlcNAc-O(CH₂)₈-COOMe), a putative ligand of selectins, on smoke inhalation injury. Design: Prospective animal study with concurrent controls. Setting: An animal laboratory. Subjects: Twelve 1-yr-old female sheep, weighing 24 to 33 kg. Interventions: Twelve sheep received nine exposure units of smoke generated bY thermolysis of pine woodchips (80 g). Group 1 (n = 6) was untreated. Group 2 (n = 6) was treated with an intravenous infusion of Sulfo Lewis C after smoke exposure. Animals were killed 48 hrs after injury. Measurements and Main Results: Cardiopulmonary variables and blood gases were measured serially. Granulocyte free-radical production was measured before smoke exposure and at 4 and 48 hrs after injury. Ventilation/perfusion distribution (V̇(A)/Q̇) was analyzed using the multiple inert gas elimination technique. Granulocyte free-radical production was increased after smoke exposure in both groups. Oxygenation was significantly improved by the administration of Sulfo Lewis C. V̇(A)/Q̇. analysis demonstrated significantly less blood flow to low V̇A/Q lung segments in treated animals. Conclusions: Selectin blockade attenuated lung injury after smoke exposure. These data support the hypothesis that neutrophils play a pivotal role in smoke inhalation injury.