Role of L-selectin in physiological manifestations after burn and smoke inhalation injury in sheep

Abstract

The effects of a monoclonal antibody against L-selectin [leukoctye adhesion molecule (LAM)1–3] on microvascular fluid flux were determined in conscious sheep subjected to a combined injury of 40% third-degree burn and smoke inhalation. This combined injury induced a rapid increase in systemic prefemoral lymph flow (sQ˙lymph) from the burned area and a delayed-onset increase in lung lymph flow. The initial increase in sQ˙lymphwas associated with an elevation of the lymph-to-plasma oncotic pressure ratio; consequently, it leads to a predominant increase in the systemic soft tissue permeability index (sPI). In an untreated control group, the increased sPI was sustained beyond 24 h after injury. Pretreatment with LAM1–3 resulted in earlier recovery from the increased sPI, although the initial responses in sQ˙lymphand sPI were identical to those in the nontreatment group. The delayed-onset lung permeability changes were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with LAM1–3. These findings indicate that both leukocyte-dependent and -independent mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis that occurs after combined injury with burn and smoke inhalation.