Changes of VEGF in the acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide in the early stage in rat

Objective To explore changes and significance of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in the early stage of acute lung injury(ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) in rat.Methods Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups randomly(8 each): control rats(being injected with normal sodium 1ml via caudal vein),LPS 2h,4h and 6h rats(being injected with LPS 5mg/kg via caudal vein as ALI sample).Blood gas and VEGF concentration in serum and lung tissue were measured in all groups.Specimens for pathological exams were obtained at the end of each experiment.Results Compared with normal control group,the PaO2 and PaO2/FiO2 in LPS 2h group were lower slightly(P0.05),the LPS4h,6h groups lower significantly(P0.01);the VEGF levels of blood serum and lung tissue in LPS groups were significantly higher(P0.05).Conclusion It is suggested that VEGF expression in serum and the lung tissue increased in ALI induced by LPS in the early stage in rat,so the VEGF can be used to diagnose and monitor ALI.