Histologic and hemodynamic effects of prostacyclin and prostaglandin E1 following oleic acid infusion.

The hemodynamic and histologic effects of exogenous prostacyclin (PGI2) and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on oleic acid-induced acute respiratory failure were investigated. Adult mongrel dogs infused with oleic acid were treated with saline solution, PGE1, and PGI2. Significantly lowered blood pressure, systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance, and arteriovenous oxygen difference and preservation of preoleic cardiac output were observed in the pGI2 group. Compared with the saline group, only the arteriovenous oxygen difference was improved with PGE1. Light microscopy revealed acute edema and inflammation in the saline- and PGE1-treated lungs. Histologic specimens in the PGI2 group were normal.