Background
Increased vascular permeability is a pathophysiological hallmark of sepsis and
Conclusions
These data suggest that 6% HES 130/0.4 exerts protective effects on glycocalyx integrity and attenuates the increase of vascular permeability during systemic inflammation.
Methods
6% HES 130/0.4 or a balanced electrolyte solution (20 ml/kg) was administered intravenously 1 h after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or LPS inhalation. Sham-treated animals receiving 6% HES 130/0.4 or the electrolyte solution served as controls. The thickness of the endovascular glycocalyx was visualized by intravital microscopy in lung (LPS inhalation model) or cremaster muscle (CLP model). Syndecan-1, hyaluronic acid, and heparanase levels were measured in blood samples. Vascular permeability in the lungs, liver, kidney, and brain was measured by Evans blue extravasation.
Results
Both CLP induction and LPS inhalation resulted in increased vascular permeability in the lung, liver, kidney, and brain. 6% HES 130/0.4 infusion led to significantly reduced plasma levels of syndecan-1, heparanase, and hyaluronic acid, which was accompanied by a preservation of the glycocalyx thickness in postcapillary venules of the cremaster (0.78 ± 0.09 μm vs. 1.39 ± 0.10 μm) and lung capillaries (0.81 ± 0.09 μm vs. 1.49 ± 0.12 μm). Conclusions: These data suggest that 6% HES 130/0.4 exerts protective effects on glycocalyx integrity and attenuates the increase of vascular permeability during systemic inflammation.