Anti-C5a monoclonal antibodies and pulmonary polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration--endothelial dysfunction by venous gas embolism.

Venous gas embolism (VGE) impairs endothelial function although there is no apparent mechanical damage to the endothelial layer. We investigated whether a monoclonal antibody against the complement anaphylatoxine C5a would affect endothelial dysfunction and pulmonary polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration caused by low-grade VGE. Six rabbits were pre-treated with the anti-C5a monoclonal antibody whereas a sham monoclonal antibody was administrated to six other animals 30 min before VGE.