ObjectiveTo investigate the changes of interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue of COPD rats and the effects of tiotropium.To identify the anti-inflammatory function of tiotropium. MethodsRat COPD model was established by passive smoking as well as intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide(LPS).Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group, a COPD group and a tiotropium bromide treatment group (n=10 in each group).The pathologic changes of the lung tissue and airway were observed by HE staining.The total and differential cell counts in BALF were observed.The levels of IL-8, TNF-α, PLA2 in serum, BALF and lung tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ResultsHE staining revealed that the rat COPD model was successfully established.The COPD group appeared obvious emphysema, while the treatment group appeared mild emphysema.The total inflammatory cells, the proportion of neutrophils and lymphocyte, and the levels of IL-8, TNF-α, PLA2 in serum, BALF and lung tissue in the COPD group were obviously higher than those in the control group (P < 0.01).The total inflammatory cells, the proportion of neutrophils and lymphocyte, and the levels of IL-8, TNF-α, PLA2 in serum, BALF and lung tissue in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the COPD group but higher than those in the control group (P < 0.01). ConclusionsTiotropium bromide can reduce the levels of IL-8, TNF-α, PLA2 in serum, BALF and lung tissue of COPD rats by reducing the leakage of inflammatory cells, and alleviate the airway inflammation and the degree of emphysema.