Role of 5-lipoxygenase in the multiple organ failure induced by zymosan.

Objective: This study investigated the role of 5-lipoxygenase in the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure (MOF) induced by zymosan.

Design: Male mice with a targeted disruption of the 5-lipoxygenase gene (5-LOKO) and littermate wild-type (WT) controls (5-LOWT) were used to evaluate the role of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) in the pathogenesis of MOF.

Setting: University research laboratory.

5-lipoxygenase knockout mice exhibit a resistance to acute pancreatitis induced by cerulein.

Here we compare the degree of pancreatitis caused by cerulein in mice lacking 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and in the corresponding wild-type mice. Intraperitoneal injection of cerulein in mice resulted in severe, acute pancreatitis characterized by oedema, neutrophil infiltration and necrosis and elevated serum levels of amylase and lipase. Infiltration of pancreatic and lung tissue with neutrophils (measured as increase in myeloperoxidase activity) was associated with enhanced lipid peroxidation (increased tissue levels of malondialdehyde).