J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2001 Sep;12(3):214-221.

Effects of N-acetylcysteine and Methylprednisolone on Lung Injury in a Paraquat-Poisoned Rat Model

• Choi TH
• Jo KH
• Oh DR
• Kim SK

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.

Keyword

Paraquat; Pulmonary fibrosis; N-acetylcysteine; Methylprednisolone

MeSH Terms

Acetylcysteine*
Animals
Collagen
Lung Injury*
Lung*
Methylprednisolone*
Models, Animal*
Paraquat
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Rats*
Survival Rate
Acetylcysteine
Collagen
Methylprednisolone
Paraquat