Role of leukotrienes in ventilator-induced lung injury

During the past 20 years, it has been clearly evident that the application of mechanical ventilation to the lung may cause a further injury, named as “ventilator-induced lung injury” (VILI). Leukotrienes are important inflammatory mediators with are partially related to neutrophil chemotaxis, as well as to the vascular tone of pulmonary circulation and permeability of capillary-alveolar membrane. In an experimental model of lung injury associated to mechanical ventilation, we have recently investigated the role of such molecules in the pathogenesis of VILI. In particular, leukotrienes, especially cys-leukotrienes, have been observed to be associated both to the increase permeability of alveolar-capillary membrane, as well as to the impairment of hypoxic-pulmonary vasoconstriction characterizing VILI.