Thermotolerance induces heat shock protein 72 expression and protects against ischaemia-reperfusion-induced lung injury

Background: Ischaemia-reperfusion injury is mediated by neutrophil- endothelial interaction. Induction of heat shock proteins attenuates neutrophil-endothelial interactions. The aim of this study was to determine whether thermal preconditioning could have a protective effect on neutrophil- mediated lung injury in an animal model of lower torso ischaemia-reperfusion. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into: control, ischaemia- reperfusion, and ischaemia-reperfusion preconditioned with hyperthermia groups. Ischaemia-reperfusion injury was induced by infrarenal aortic clamping for 30 min and reperfusion for 120 min. Thermotolerance was induced by raising the core body temperature to 40.5-41.5°C for 15 min, 18 h before ischaemia-reperfusion. Wet:dry lung (W:D)weight ratio, bronchoalveolar lavage protein (BAL(prot)) concentration, tissue mycloperoxidase (MPO) activity and bronchoalveolar lavage polymorphonuclear neutrophil (BAL PMN) count were measured. Heat shock protein 72 (hsp72) expression in lung, intestine and mesentery was measured using Western immunoblotting. Results: Ischaemia- reperfusion resulted in a significant increase in tissue oedema (W:D weight ratio) and BAL(prot) concentration. In addition there was a marked increase in tissue neutrophil infiltration (MPO activity, BAL PMN concentration). Preconditioning with hyperthemia resulted in increased expression of hsp72 and significantly reduced tissue oedema and neutrophil infiltration. Conclusion: Thermal preconditioning protects against neutrophil-mediated ischaemia-reperfusion induced lung injury, possibly by increasing the expression of heat shock proteins.