ABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To observe protective effects of polydatin (PD) during lung ischemia/reperfusion injury (LI/RI) and investigate its potential mechanism .</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rabbit lung model of ischemia/reperfusion injury was constituted in vivo. The 40 rabbits were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10): control group (C group), ischemia/reperfusion group (I/R), PD + I/R group (PD) and PD+ polymyxin B (PMB) + I/R group (PMB). The blood specimen gathered at different time points were tested for the content of melondialdehyde (MDA) and the enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). The lung tissue sampled at the end of the experiment were assayed for wet/dry weight ratio (W/D), injured alveoli rate (IAR) and observing ultrastructure changes under electron micro scope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The activity of SOD showed a similar time-dependent decline in I/R group and PMB group during I/R, while in PD group this tendency was milder (P < 0.01 vs I/R group). (2) In contrast to the results above, the level of MDA markedly increased in I/R and PMB group, but was slowed down in PD group (P < 0.01 vs I/R group). (3) The value of W/D) and IAR was much higher in I/R and PMB group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01 vs C group). In PD group, it was decreased (P < 0.01 vs I/R group or PMB group). (4) Electron microscope showed obvious ultrastructure injury brought by LI/RI in I/R group and PMB group, which was greatly attenuated in PD group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PD can protect lung from LI/RI, and PKC may participate in its mechanisms.</p>