The potential protective effect of low potassium dextran against lipid peroxidation in a rat lung transplantation model.

The overproduction of reactive oxygen species plays an important role in the cascade of events during lung ischemia-reperfusion leading to graft failure. An evaluation of the peripheral markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities was carried out after reperfusion in a rat lung transplant model. The decrease in lipid peroxidation immediately after transplantation ( P < 0.05) may suggest an adaptative response and/or a protective effect of low potassium dextran against lipid peroxidation through natural scavenging mechanisms.