5-Lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) inhibitor MK-0591 prevents aberrant alveolarization in newborn mice exposed to 85% oxygen in a dose- and time-dependent manner.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is characterized by prolonged oxygen dependency due to compromised gas-exchange capability. This is attributable mainly to inadequate and aberrant alveolarization resulting from insults like hyperoxia. Leukotrienes are associated with hyperoxia-induced inhibition of alveolarization. We hypothesized that a 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) inhibitor given while newborn mice were exposed to 85% oxygen would prevent aberrant alveolarization in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Newborn mice were exposed to either room air or hyperoxia for 14 days. Pups were treated with either vehicle or MK-0591 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg subcutaneously daily for days 1-4, 5-9, or 10-14. On day 14, the lungs were inflated, fixed, and stained for histopathological and morphometric analyses. Hyperoxia groups treated with MK-0591 20 or 40 mg/kg during days P1-P4 or P10-P14 showed alveolarization that resembled that of room air controls while untreated hyperoxia groups showed definite evidence of aberrant alveolarization but no inflammation. In a hyperoxia-exposed newborn mice model, a FLAP inhibitor given during critical window periods may prevent aberration of alveolarization in a dose- and time-dependent manner.