Effect of intrapleural low molecular-weight heparin on the extent of tetracycline induced pleural adhesion / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

Aim To establish an animal model of inflammatory pleural adhesion and to investigate the role of low-molecular-weight heparin(LMWH) in preventing encapsulation of pleural effusion.Methods Thirty New-Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups:the model and the treatment group received injection of tetracycline(35 mg?kg~(-1)) in the right chest cavity,the control animals received injection of normal saline.LMWH (55 U?kg~(-1)) was injected into the right chest cavity of rabbits in the treatment group.The animals were killed on 14 d.Result In the model group,pleural effusion appeared at 2 h and reached maximum within 2～3 days.In the effusion,leukocytes accumulated and procoagulant activity increased at the same time.Fibrosis and pleural adhesion,encapsulation appeared on the fourteenth day.In the treatment group pleural effusion and procoagulant activity were reduced.No pleural adhesion was observed.Conclusion Tetracycline was successfully used to establish an animal model of pleural adhesion in rabbits.LMWH was effective in reducing pleural effusion and preventing pleural fibrosis and encapsulation.