[The effects of hydroxyethyl starch on lipopolysaccharide-induced endothelial injury in rat mesenteric venules].

Objective: To investigate the effect of hydroxyethyl starch (HES, 130/0.4) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endothelial injury in rat mesenteric venules.

Methods: Thirty-six Wistar rats weighing 200 - 250 g were randomly divided into 3 groups, n = 12 for each group. Rats were given LPS (2 mg/kg) and followed by normal saline 16 ml x kg(-1) x h(-1) in LPS group or HES 16 ml x kg(-1) x h(-1) in HES group for 60 min. Rats in control group received equal volume of saline. The dynamic changes in diameters of postcapillary venules, red blood cell velocities in venules, and hydrogen peroxide released from venules were evaluated. The ultrastructure of postcapillary venule was observed by electron microscopy.

Results: Mesenteric venular RBC velocities, vascular diameters and shear rates on the venular wall remained constant in any of the groups during the observation (P > 0.05). The hydrogen peroxide generation from venules increased in both HES and LPS groups (P < 0.05). In HES group, the hydrogen peroxide generation and cytoplasmic caveolae in postcapillary venule induced by LPS were significantly inhibited compared with LPS group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) could reduce the LPS-induced endothelial injury in rat mesentery. The effect was related to the inhibition of hydrogen peroxide generation on venular wall.