Evaluation of Pulmonary Changes Caused by Induced Sepsis and the Use of Propranolol in Endothelial Dysfunction in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the potential effect of propranolol as a possible lung protector on endothelial dysfunction in cases of induced sepsis in Wistar rats. Methods: The animals were divided into 3 groups: Group 1, intraperitoneal propranolol administration 30 minutes before sepsis induction; Group 2, administration of intraperitoneal propranolol 30 minutes after sepsis induction; Group 3, SHAM (control), septic animals without propranolol administration. For evaluation, hemorrhage, edema, atelectasis and pneumonia scores were used as tissue damage criteria. Results: Propranolol was found to protect against pneumonia and atelectasis, but increased bleeding while edema remained mild in all groups. Final considerations: The results showed that the treated groups showed clinical improvement in different aspects during the sepsis period, with a survival of treated animals when compared to untreated ones.