Lung enzymes in emphysematous rats: effects of progestagens, antiphlogistics and metabolic inhibitors
Colombo, C.; Steinetz, B.G.
Archives Internationales de Pharmacodynamie et de Therapie 216(1): 86-96
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9780 PMID: 1164108 Document Number: 505584
Chronic exposure of rats to 10% aerosols of papain or trypsin resulted in marked increases in lung weights and lung beta-glucuronidase and arylsulfatase activities. Destruction of alveolar walls was demonstrated microscopically as a decrease in the number of air spaces touching a line of known length. The pregnenes, progesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate, but not the 19-nortestosterone derivative norethindrone, partially prevented the papain-induced breakdown of alveolar septa and elevation of beta-glucuronidase. The steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, paramethasone, completely inhibited the rise in lung weight and beta-glucuronidase activity, but did not prevent destruction of alveolar walls. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, indomethacin, afforded little or no protection. Limited prophylaxis against both histological and enzymatic changes was observed in rats treated with the anti-metabolite, cyclophosphamide, and the proteolytic enzyme inhibitor, aprotinin. The various lung abnormalities resulting from papain inhalation may thus be individually influenced by specific pharmacologic agents.