Lidocaine attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury through inhibiting NF-kappa B activation

Background and Objectives: Lidocaine has been reported to attenuate the inflammatory response in addition to its anesthetic activity, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. The objective of this study is to determine if lidocaine prior to endotoxemia diminishes pulmonary dysfunction by blocking the NF-kappa B activation. Methods: Rats were assigned to: ( 1) control ( 0.9% sodium chloride); ( 2) lipopolysaccharides ( LPS); ( 3) LPS + lidocaine 1 mg/ kg; ( 4) LPS + lidocaine 2 mg/ kg, and ( 5) LPS + lidocaine 4 mg/ kg. The LPS and LPS + lidocaine 4 mg/ kg groups were subjected to 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-hour time points. To investigate the activation of NF-kappa B, the expression of NF-kappa B in the nuclear and I kappa B alpha in the cytosol extracts were analyzed by Western blot. The concentration of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in serum was detected by ELISA. The pathologic changes of the lung were observed using HE staining. Results: After i.p. injection of LPS, the expression of NF-kappa B in the nuclear extracts was significantly increased and I kappa B alpha in the cytosol extracts was markedly decreased. The concentration of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in serum was increased. Pathological examination showed that the normal structure of the lung was destroyed badly. However, lidocaine reversed the above results. Conclusion: Lidocaine attenuates LPS-induced lung injury via mechanisms involving inhibiting NF-kappa B activation and cytokine release, which implies that lidocaine may be a potential anti-inflammatory agent in endotoxemia. Copyright (C) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.