The ability of increased endogenous adenosine to mitigate microvascular derangements in sepsis was studied. Pentostatin (2'-deoxycoformycin), an inhibitor of adenosine deaminase, was administered to mice immediately after induction of sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture. Intravital video microscopy of cremasteric postcapillary venules was performed. Leukocyte rolling and adhesion were significantly increased in septic mice compared with control mice. Treatment of septic mice with pentostatin significantly decreased leukocyte rolling and adhesion (6.02 +/- 0.09 versus 1.72 +/- 0.12 rolling cells/min, 2.07 +/- 0.04 versus 0.62 +/- 0.05 adherent cells/100 microm per minute; p < 0.001). Albumin leakage (ratio) was significantly attenuated in septic animals treated with pentostatin (0.42 +/- 0.05 versus 0.21 +/- 0.04; p < 0.01). Circulating levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and soluble tumor necrosis factor type II receptor were decreased in septic mice treated with pentostatin. Survival was significantly improved at 48 hours in mice treated with pentostatin. These results suggest an important role for adenosine in modulating both leukocyte-dependent and -independent mechanisms of endothelial injury in sepsis. Exploiting the advantageous action of endogenous adenosine represents a potentially useful and novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of sepsis.

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Hydrochlorothiazide has been shown to cause rare, but serious non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema. We present a case report of a patient with apparent septic shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring life-sustaining veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). Upon further review of the literature and the chronology of the patient's presentation, her condition was most likely due to an immune-mediated reaction to hydrochlorothiazide. This represents the first case, to our knowledge, of such a severe reaction to hydrochlorothiazide supported with ECMO therapy.