ObjectivesReconstituted human high-density lipoprotein (HDL) can inhibit lipopolysaccharide effects in vivo. The major objectives of this study were to characterize the pharmacokinetics of reconstituted HDL in a stressed large-animal model and to provide preclinical tolerance information in support of use of reconstituted HDL in humans.DesignA randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial where each animal received either reconstituted human HDL at a dose of 100 mg/kg (apolipoprotein A-I) or placebo, immediately after hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation.SettingAnimal laboratory.SubjectsTwelve immature female swine (18 to 25 kg) were studied.InterventionsSix to 8 days before shock and study drug administration, animals were anesthetized and catheters were placed in the external jugular vein and abdominal aorta. These catheters were secured to the dorsal surface. On the day of shock, the animals were sedated (alpha-chloralose) and 50 mL/kg of arterial blood was removed over 0.5 hr. One half hour after blood removal, shed blood was infused, which was immediately followed by study drug (reconstituted HDL or placebo), and then by 1 L of lactated Ringer's solution.Measurements and Main ResultsPhysiologic (arterial blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate) and laboratory (serum chemistries, hematologic and coagulation studies, and blood gases) measurements were determined intermittently for 96 hrs after the induction of shock. Blood was collected intermittently for 48 hrs after shock for assay of apolipoprotein A-I and phosphatidylcholine in plasma.Reconstituted HDL was well tolerated and did not appear to alter the physiologic responses to shock and resuscitation.HDL transient increase in aspartate aminotransferase concentration was noted in the reconstituted group but this increase normalized by 24 hrs after drug administration. Mean apolipoprotein A-I pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows: half-life 24.5 plus minus 5.3 (SD) hrs; clearance 41.9 plus minus 10 mL/hr; and volume of distribution 1.39 plus minus 0.08 L. The apparent mean half-life of phosphatidylcholine was 5.4 plus minus 0.8 hrs.ConclusionsReconstituted human HDL was well tolerated in animals that had undergone hemorrhagic shock with resuscitation. The apolipoprotein component of reconstituted HDL had a relatively long half-life, with distribution limited to the vascular space. These findings support the investigational use of this product in humans.(Crit Care Med 1996; 24:440-444)