Applying positive end-expiratory pressure during mechanical ventilation causes pulmonary redox imbalance and inflammation in rats.

Abstract

Mechanical ventilation may induce or aggravate lung injury through the production of cytokines, inflammatory infiltration of neutrophils and changes in the permeability of the alveolarcapillary barrier. The use of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) helps improve gas exchanges avoiding alveolar collapse at the end of expiration. The present study aimed to analyze inflammatory response and redox imbalance in lungs of rats submitted to mechanical ventilation with and without positive end-expiratory pressure.