Gene expression analysis in interstitial lung edema induced by saline infusion

To investigate the molecular events taking place during the development of hydraulic interstitial edema, we analyzed by microarray and conventional molecular techniques the variation of gene expression in lung from rabbits treated with slow-rate saline infusions. This analysis indicates that even a condition characterized by a small increase in extravascular water can have a significant influence on the inflammatory milieu. In this regard, cytokines, in particular TNFalpha, can be considered early mediators capable of inducing secondary effects on the injured tissue. Moreover, two MT1 genes were strongly up-regulated, data consistent with their role as protective molecules.