Enhanced arachidonate-induced cardiorespiratory distress and pulmonary microembolism in vitamin E deficient rats

Fourteen VE deficient rats (VEDR) and 12 VE supplemented rats (VESR) were injected with sodium arachidonate 3mg/kg into the central vein in 30sec. VEDR developed acute respiratory distress and 11 out of 14 VEDR (79%) died shortly after the injection. All of these rats demonstrated obstruction of capillaries, arterioles and small pulmonary arteries by platelet aggregates. On the other hand, VESR developed much attenuated respiratory insufficiency and only 2 out of 12 (17%) died. In 25 pairs of VEDR and VESR citrated blood was examined for platelet functions and determination of MDA formation. The aorta was quickly removed and lipid peroxides content (MDA) and PGI2 production were measured. VEDR demonstrated increases in platelet count and aggregability as compared with VESR. Platelet 14C-serotonin release and ATP content were not different between VEDR and VESR. ADP content was decreased in VEDR. Lipid peroxides (MDA) in platelets, plasma and the aorta were significantly increased in VEDR. PGI2-like activity released from the aorta was not different between the two. The pronounced respiratory distress, high mortality rate and pulmonary embolism with platelet aggregates in VEDR might be attributed to the increase in platelet number and aggregability which is probably due to an increase in platelet prostaglandin metabolism.