American Society of Hirudotherapy

The elastase-inhibitor eglin has no effect in an ovine model of endotoxemia

Research article published in Biological chemistry Hoppe-Seyler (1988)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportAntimicrobial ResistanceRedl H et al. · Biological chemistry Hoppe-Seyler, 1988

Abstract

Small doses of endotoxin have been shown to induce pulmonary microvascular injury in sheep, possibly by the action of granulocytes. Eglin, a potent inhibitor of neutrophil elastase, was tested in an ovine model of endotoxemia. The experiment was performed in 12 unanesthetized chronically instrumented sheep with a lung lymph preparation. Endotoxin (S. abort. equii) was infused at 24 ng/(kg x h) with application of 20 mg/kg eglin 1 h before endotoxin in the treatment group and followed by 5 mg/(kg x h). No significant improvement due to the treatment was seen for either cardiovascular status (pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance) or permeability changes in the lung (lymph flow and lymph/plasma protein ratio), although sufficient eglin concentrations were achieved in plasma and lymph. The lack of an effect of eglin might be because higher concentrations are needed to block elastase-like activity of ovine granulocytes or because of a minor role for neutrophil elastase in this shock model.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsBlood PressureCardiac OutputEndotoxinsEscherichia coliGranulocytesHumansIn Vitro TechniquesLeukocyte CountLymphatic SystemPancreatic ElastaseProteins

Summary

Small doses of endotoxin have been shown to induce pulmonary microvascular injury in sheep, possibly by the action of granulocytes.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This experiment tested eglin, a potent neutrophil-elastase inhibitor, in an ovine (sheep) model of low-dose endotoxin-induced lung microvascular injury and found no significant improvement in cardiovascular status or lung permeability despite adequate drug levels in plasma and lymph. Eglin (eglin c) is a leech-derived protease inhibitor, so the study is part of the broader picture of leech-secretome molecules being explored pharmacologically, and it candidly reports a negative result, with the authors suggesting either insufficient dosing against ovine elastase or a minor role for neutrophil elastase in this shock model. This is a small preclinical animal study reporting no benefit in one specific model; it should be read as a single negative preclinical finding, not as evidence about leech therapy or eglin's value in human disease.

Citation

The elastase-inhibitor eglin has no effect in an ovine model of endotoxemia

Redl H et al. · Biological chemistry Hoppe-Seyler, 1988

DOIPubMed

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