Influence of the lysosomal elastase inhibitor eglin on the development of interstitial lung edema in E. coli bacteremia in pigs.

Infusion of 3 X 10(10) live E. coli cells into anesthetized piglets induced severe septicemia with characteristic alterations in systemic and pulmonary circulation, lung function and morphology, blood cell counts and plasma protein composition. The simultaneous infusion of the elastase-cathepsin G inhibitor, r-eglin c, in a doses of 3.85 mg/kg X h for 4 hrs, reduced mortality, plasma protein consumption, and accumulation of interstitial fluid in the lungs. These findings are in favour of the concept that during septicemia the balance between liberated lysosomal proteinases and their extracellular inhibitors is severely disturbed. It can be at least partially restored by administration of an exogenous elastase inhibitor.