Effect of an LTB4 Aerosol Exposure on Pulmonary Function, Cell Populations, and Mediators in the Lungs of Rhesus Monkeys

AbstractSix adult rhesus monkeys (5–7 kg) were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital, 30 mg/kg iv, intubated, and exposed for 4 h, once per week, to air (baseline), normal saline, an inactive isomer of leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and LTB4. Anesthesia was maintained with sodium pentobarbital, S mg/kg/h iv. Pulmonary function was monitored for a 30-min baseline period and during the 4-h exposure. After each exposure, the upper and lower airways were lavaged. The upper airway lavage was performed by inclining the animal head down, inserting a small catheter through the endotracheal (ET) tube to the carina, then instilling 15 ml normal saline through the catheter and collecting the fluid as it came out the ET tube. The lower airway lavage was performed with a fiberoptic bronchoscope placed at the level of generation 5–7 of a lower lobe. Two 10-ml aliquots of saline were instilled and gently suctioned via syringe. Cell counts and differentials were performed. Supernatant was analyzed for levels of LTB4, LTC4 and T...