Ischemic pre-conditioning of 5 minutes but not of 10 minutes improves lung function after warm ischemia in a canine model.

Background: Protection from reperfusion injury by ischemic pre-conditioning (IPC) before prolonged ischemia has been proven for the heart and the liver. We now assess the efficacy of IPC to protect lungs from reperfusion injury.

Methods: Eighteen foxhounds (25 to 30 kg) were anesthetized, intubated, and ventilated with a fraction of inspired oxygen of 0.