Objective To observe the protective effects of ambroxol hydrochloride ( AMB) on rabbit model of acute lung injury ( ALI) induced by oleic acid and explore its mechanisms. Methods The ALI model of rabbit was induced by oleic acid. Twenty-four Japanese white rabbits were divided into three groups randomly, ie. a normal saline group ( NC group) , an ALI group and an ALI plus ambroxol injection group ( AMB group) . The pathological changes and apoptotic index ( AI) in lung tissue, Caspase-3 activity in lung tissue homogenate were observed 6 hours after the intervention. Serum activity of superoxide dismutase ( SOD) and serum levels of malonaldehyde ( MDA) , interleukin-1β( IL-1β) , and tumor necrosis factor-α ( TNF-α) were measured simutanously. Results The pathological injury of lung in the AMB group was milder than that in the ALI group. Both the AI in lung tissue and Caspase-3 activity in homogenate in the AMB group were lower than those in the ALI group significantly ( P lt;0. 01, P lt;0. 05 respectively) , butwere higher than those in the NC group( both P lt; 0. 01) . The activity of SOD in serum measured 6 hours after AMB intervention was higher while the serum levels of MDA, IL-1βand TNF-αin serum were lower ( P lt;0. 01) than those in the ALI group significantly ( all P lt;0. 01) . Conclusions Ambroxol hydrochloride has protective effects on oleic acid-induced acute lung injury. The mechanisms may be related to inhibition of oxidative stress and suppression of cytokines synthesis ( IL-1βand TNF-α) , the activity of the Caspase-3,and the apoptosis of lung tissue.
Citation： ZHENG Jiyang,DAI Xinjian,WANGWantie,BAO Xiaoou,XU Yixiao,QIU Xiaoxiao.. Effects of Ambroxol on Apoptosis in Acute Lung Injury of Rabbits. Chinese Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2009, 09(3): 238-241. doi: Copy