Effects of dexmedetomidine on the protection of hyperoxia-induced lung injury in newborn rats.

Dexmedetomidine (Dex) is a specific agonist of α2-adrenoceptor and was reported to have protective effect on a variety of organs, however the effect of Dex on hyperoxia-induced lung injury remains unknown. In the present study, Dex was administrated to newborn rats and its effect against hyperoxia-induced lung injury was examined. The results showed that, Dex significantly attenuated the aberration, macrophage infiltration, inflammatory responses and pulmonary edema induced by hyperoxia. In addition, the down-regulation of AQP1 was also reversed by Dex. These data indicate that Dex may be a potential therapy in the prevention of hyperoxia-induced lung injury in infants.