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Journal of The Korean Society of Emergency Medicine 2001;12(3): 214-221. |
Effects of N-acetylcysteine and Methylprednisolone on Lung Injury in a Paraquat-Poisoned Rat Model |
Tae Hwan Choi, Keon Hyon Jo, Dong Rul Oh, Se Kyung Kim |
1Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. odr@cmc.cuk.ac.kr 2Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. |
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ABSTRACT |
BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of N-acetylcysteine(NAC) and methylprednisolone on lung injury in the paraquat-poisoned rat model.
METHODS: Sixty rats were divided into four groups(n=15 in each group) accordingly to the drug administered : group I, only intraperitoneally injected paraquat (20 mg/kg); group II, intraperitoneally injected paraquat and NAC(300 mg/kg); group III, intraperitoneally injected paraquat and methylprednisolone(60 mg/kg); and group IV, intraperitoneally injected paraquat, NAC(300 mg/kg), and methylprednisolone(60 mg/kg). On the 7th day after injection, the survival rate of experimental rats and the positive area of collagen fiber in the injured lung stained by Masson's trichrome were evaluated.
RESULTS: 1. There were no differences in the 7-day survival rates for the four groups. 2. The percent of collagen fiber for group II(6.3+/-4.7%) was significantly decreased in comparison with that for group I (14.4+/-9.7%). 3. The percent of collagen fiber for Group III(13.2+/-5.9%) was not significantly different from that for group I(14.4+/-9.7%).
4. The percent of collagen fiber for Group IV(6.9+/-4.6%) was significantly decreased in comparison with that for group I, but was not different from that for group II.
CONCLUSION: These results suggest that NAC protects against pulmonary fibrosis in paraquat-poisoned rats whereas methylprednisolone does not protect against pulmonary fibrosis. |
Key words:
Paraquat, Pulmonary fibrosis, N-acetylcysteine, Methylprednisolone |
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