Study of the role of epidermal growth factor on lung fluid transport in rabbits with acute lung injury caused by endotoxin

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the lung fluid transport of rabbits with acute lung injury caused by endotoxin and evaluate its therapeutic action. A total of 24 rabbits were randomly divided into control, simple acute lung injury (ALI) and EGF only treatment groups. ALI rabbit models were constructed by the administration of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) and subsequent treatment with EGF. Arterial partial pressure of oxygen, lung pathomorphological changes and wet/dry weight (W/D) of the left lobe of lung tissue were observed at various time points. Results showed that following treatment with EGF, the breathing status of the rabbits continued to improve. An increase was noted in PaO(2) at 12 h after EGF treatment and 24 h later PaO(2) had significantly increased. A marked decrease was observed in the value of W/D and the exudation was reduced. The extrinsic EGF decreased the exudation of pulmonary capillaries and improved lung water transport. Our findings verified that epidermal growth factor had repaired the effect of ALI through continuous 48-h observation. Therefore, the present study demonstrated the therapeutic action of EGF.