The effect of 60% oxygen on air-space enlargement and cross-linked elastin synthesis in hamsters with elastase-induced emphysema.

Hyperoxia is routinely administered to patients with severe emphysema. To gain insight into the possibly adverse effects of such treatment, hamsters were exposed to 60% oxygen for 5 days, beginning 48 h after induction of pulmonary emphysema by intratracheal instillment of pancreatic elastase. Control groups consisted of (1) animals instilled with elastase and exposed to room air, (2) animals instilled with saline and exposed to 60% oxygen, and (3) animals instilled with saline and exposed to room air. Cross-linked elastin content and synthesis in the lung were measured immediately following termination of hyperoxia, and the mean linear intercept was determined 4 wk later. Cytologic examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids was also performed. Statistical significance was determined by a two-way analysis of variance. Results indicate that exposure to 60% oxygen significantly affected (p less than 0.05) air-space size, causing a 51% increase among elastase-treated hamsters (124 versus 82 microns) but only a 4% increment among saline-treated animals (52 versus 50 microns). When compared to other groups, animals treated with both elastase and hyperoxia had a significantly greater (p less than 0.01) percentage of neutrophils (28%) in their lung lavage fluids immediately following exposure to 60% oxygen. Although total lung elastin content was not altered by hyperoxia at this time, labelling of elastin cross-links was significantly increased (p less than 0.05). These studies demonstrate that exposure to 60% oxygen enhances elastase-induced lung injury. They also raise the possibility that oxygen therapy may, under certain circumstances, accelerate the progression of human emphysema.