Apoptosis In Liver During Oleic Acid-induced ARDS In Rabbits

Objective: To investigate the effects of hepatocyte apoptosis and expression of apoptosis related genes during the Oleic Acid-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). Methods: 34 rabbits were randomly divided into control group(n=6) and experimental group(n=28). The experimental group was divided into 4 groups of OA 30min, OA 60min, OA 90min and OA 120min after injected OA(0.1ml/kg) into ear vein slowly. Hepatocyte apoptosis in ARDS rabbits model was studied by using TdT-mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling(TUNEL),light microscopy and electron microscopy.Fas and Bcl-2 expression were also studied in rabbits with ARDS. Results: Apoptpsis in liver was confirmed by positive results of TUNEL and Fas, Bcl-2 expression. Apoptotic index was increased significantly at 30min after injected OA and reached a peak at 30min,then declined gradually. Compared with control group,the expression of Fas and Bcl-2 were significantly higher in liver tissues in early stage with ARDS. It was shown by morphological examination that apoptosis was the major change in early stage and necrosis was major in late stage. Apoptosis was found to be activated in hepatoctes, Kupffer cells and neutrophils. Conclusions: Apoptosis was induced in liver in early stage of ARDS,which may play a role in early liver injury in rabbits.