Ventilator-Associated Lung Injury Superposed to Oleic Acid Infusion or Surfactant Depletion: Histopathological Characteristics of Two Porcine Models of Acute Lung Injury

<i>Background:</i> The pathophysiological concept of acute lung injury (ALI) in combination with ventilator-associated lung injury (VALI) is still unclear. We characterized the histopathological features of intravenous injection of oleic acid (OAI) and lung lavage (LAV) combined with VALI. <i>Methods:</i> Pigs were randomized to the control, LAV or OAI group and ventilated by pressure-controlled ventilation. Measurements included: haemodynamics, spirometry, blood gas analysis, lung wet-to-dry weight ratio (W/D), total protein content in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung pathological description and scoring. <i>Results:</i> Five hours after lu…