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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
04:10
Non-Invasive Endotracheal Administration of Lipopolysaccharide to Induce Acute Lung Injury in Rodents
Published on: December 5, 2025
Atropine treatment modifies LPS-induced inflammatory response and increases survival
J M Fuentes1, W B Fulton, D Nino
1Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Summary
Atropine administration, a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, reduced inflammatory markers and improved survival in mice challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This suggests potential clinical benefits of atropine post-injury.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers a potent inflammatory response.
- Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) play a role in modulating inflammation.
- Atropine is a competitive antagonist of mAChRs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of atropine on LPS-induced inflammatory responses.
- To determine if atropine affects survival rates during endotoxic shock.
Main Methods:
- Male B6 mice were administered atropine before or after LPS challenge.
- Survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis.
- Plasma levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured post-LPS.
Main Results:
- Atropine pretreatment lowered TNF-alpha and increased IL-10, without altering IL-6 levels.
- The reduction in TNF-alpha was independent of IL-10 elevation.
- Atropine administration, even hours after LPS, improved survival rates from endotoxic shock.
Conclusions:
- Atropine exhibits protective effects against LPS-induced inflammation and mortality.
- Administering atropine post-injury may offer therapeutic advantages.
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