Activated protein C prevents LPS-induced pulmonary vascular injury by inhibiting cytokine production

Specific pathogen-free male Wistar rats treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were analyzed to determine the efficiency of activated protein C (APC) in preventing LPS-induced pulmonary vascular injury. Analysis of rats exhibiting LPS-induced organ damage indicated the role of APC in reducing LPS-induced pulmonary vascular injury by inhibiting the synthesis of tumor necrosis factor. Furthermore, prophylactic administration of APC before LPS prevented endothelial cell damage by inhibiting cytokine production.