Pulmonary endothelial cell function after modified Eurocollins solution infusion.

Abstract

Eurocollins solution is commonly used in preparation for lung transplantation and is known to increase the pressure cost of perfusion by causing both vascular obstruction and increased tone. In this study we assessed whether Eurocollins solution had a direct effect on the pulmonary endothelial cell by causing increased permeability or by depressing its metabolic integrity. The effect of 4 degrees C Eurocollins solution on transvascular fluid flux properties and on angiotensin-converting enzyme function were assessed. Eurocollins solution had no effect on the microvascular filtration coefficient or on the critical capillary pressure, both very sensitive indicators of the permeability characteristics of the endothelium. The inert angiotensin-converting enzyme substrate [3H]BPAP had a peak metabolism of 83% and 81%, respectively, and an average metabolism of 82% both before and after Eurocollins solution infusion. The first order enzyme rate constant, Vmax/Km, was, however, reduced by 22% with Eurocollins solution perfusion. Eurocollins solution does not therefore cause increased endothelial permeability and hence a permeability type of pulmonary edema. The reduced first order rate constant of the enzyme, in the presence of normal peak and average metabolism, may be partially accounted for by a reduction in intravascular surface area available for enzyme substrate interaction.