A Model of Fatal Acute Lung Injury and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

This study was aimed at developing an experimental model of fatal acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) based on the intratracheal administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in combination with muramylpeptide and Freund’s complete adjuvant to C57Bl/6Y mice sensitized with α-galactosylceramide. The developed model is characterized by diffuse alveolar damage to the lungs and high mortality rates, as well as by a multifold increase in the mRNA level of interleukin-6 in the lungs. The model can be used for assessing the efficacy of drug candidates in the treatment of acute lung injury and ARDS, including in COVID-19.