DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/K9TX-DX77
Defense Date
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Biochemistry
First Advisor
Dr. Sarah Spiegal
Abstract
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), an age-old clinical problem facing the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Units of all health systems, is a common debilitating lung condition consequent upon severe systemic inflammation. Although several studies have gone into understanding the epidemiology and pathogenesis of the disease thus making way for new advances in treatment strategies, there seems to be no known study tailored to its prevention. Neutrophil extravasation within the tissues during inflammation is the hallmark of this syndrome. Our study sought to block excessive neutrophil infiltration by inhibiting the biosynthesis of some essential proteins necessary for the process. In this initial study, neutrophil transmigration was successfully reduced by 66% using protein synthesis inhibitors, a combination of puromycin and anisomycin. Our strategy, if fine-tuned, could form the basis of a new clinical strategy for the prevention of ARDS.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
June 2008