Role of granulocyte elastase in the formation of hemorrhagic shock-induced gastric mucosal lesions in the rat.

Abstract

To investigate the mechanism by which activated leukocytes induce gastric mucosal lesions, we examined whether granulocyte elastase is involved in the formation of such lesions in a rat model of hemorrhagic shock. Prospective, randomized, controlled study. Research laboratory at a university medical center. Male Wistar rats, weighing 220 to 280 g. Animals were subjected to hemorrhagic shock by phlebotomy. ONO-5046, a granulocyte elastase inhibitor (300 mg/kg ip), was administered 30 mins before or after phlebotomy. The effects of antithrombotic substances and tranexamic acid on hemorrhagic shock-induced gastric mucosal lesions also were examined. The effects of granulocyte elastase on the thrombomodulin activity and 35S-glycosaminoglycan content of endothelial cells were examined, using cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells.