The aim of this study was to investigate longitudinal changes of the pulmonary inflammatory process as a result of mechanical stress due to mechanical ventilation. The concentrations of IL-8, TNF-alpha, MIP-1 beta, nitrites/nitrates, and inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS) were investigated indicate in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).
Twenty-three piglets were divided into three groups. Group I: animals breathing spontaneously; group II: mechanical ventilation (tidal volume (TV) = 7 mL/kg, PEEP = 5 cmH(2)O); group III: mechanical ventilation (TV = 15 mL/kg, PEEP = 0 cmH(2)0).
Concentrations of BAL nitrites/nitrates from groups II and III increased during the first hour of mechanical ventilation (P = .03 and .02, respectively). The highest expression of iNOS was observed during the first hour in groups II and III.
IL-8 concentration increased significantly in groups II and III. Production of TNF-alpha increased significantly in group III during the second and third hour (P = .01).
Concentration of MIP-1 beta was significantly increased in groups II and III after the first hour (P = .012 and P = .008, respectively).