Validation of a Lung Inflammation Model in Healthy Volunteers by Radiological Tools and Glucocorticoid Treatment

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to investigate the local and systemic inflammatory response and haemostatic alterations in the lungs after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) instillation and to determine the feasibility of imaging techniques to quantify lung inflammation in an adapted human endotoxin instillation model. The investigators will also explore whether glucocorticoid treatment can blunt LPS effects.

Official Title
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Validation of a Lung Inflammation Model in Healthy Volunteers by Radiological Tools and Glucocorticoid Treatment

Conditions
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Experimental Lung Inflammation

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: Dexamethasone
* Drug: Sterile isotonic saline


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Signed informed consent obtained before any trial-related activities. (Trial activities are any procedure that would not have been performed during normal management of the subject). Nonsmoker Normal findings in medical history and physical examination unless the investigator considers an abnormality to be clinically irrelevant Normal laboratory values unless the investigator considers an abnormality to be clinically irrelevant If female and of childbearing potential and subjects agrees to employ adequate birth control measures (e. g. oral contraceptives, barrier method) Negative urine pregnancy test Exclusion Criteria: Known or suspected allergy to trial product or related products Pregnancy or Lactation Treatment with an investigational drug within three weeks prior to this trial Participation in an LPS trial within the last 6 weeks Smoking History of relevant cardiac arrhythmia Preexisting open or closed angle glaucoma History of Osteoporosis, Cushing´s syndrome, gastro-duodenal ulcera, cardiovascular disease, vasculitis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, brain tumor or history of neurosurgery Systemic tuberculosis Hemorrhagic diathesis Relevant liver or kidney dysfunction Regular use of medication or abuse of alcohol unless considered clinically relevant Use of any medication within one week prior to the first trial day Symptoms of a clinically relevant illness in the 3 weeks before the first trial day Excessive sporting activities Rosacea Subjects on Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (should be stopped for at least two to three weeks before dihydrocodeine treatment is initiate) Known acute or active hepatic disease within the past 3 months A platelet count < 100,000 x 106/L, prothrombin time > 1.5, liver enzymes> 3 times the upper normal limit Having received a vaccination up to 8 weeks before the trial

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 19 Years
Maximum Age: 40 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Dexamethasone<br> | Drug: Dexamethasone<br>* Two doses of 40mg dexamethasone (in 100 ml physiologic saline solution, respectively) will be administered intravenously prior to LPS instillation.<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Sterile isotonic saline<br> | Drug: Sterile isotonic saline<br>* two doses of 100 ml physiologic saline solution will be administered intravenously prior to LPS instillation.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The effects of LPS instillation on a putative microvascular leak formation in a lung subsegment by radiologic imaging (magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography) will be quantified. |  | 6/24 hours after LPS Instillation |