Protective effect of florfenicol on acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice
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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Inducing Acute Lung Injury in Mice by Direct Intratracheal Lipopolysaccharide Instillation
Published on: July 6, 2019
Xuemei Zhang1, Keji Song, Huanzhang Xiong
1Department of Veterinary Pharmacology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130062, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Florfenicol, an antibiotic used to treat infection, has previously been shown to modulate early cytokine responses and increase mouse survival in endotoxemia. In the present study, we investigated in vivo the effect of florfenicol on acute lung injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In the mouse model of LPS-induced inflammatory lung injury, we found that pretreatment with a single 100mg/kg dose of florfenicol significantly decreases the W/D ratio of lungs and protein concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and significantly reduces the number of total cells, neutrophils and macrophages in the BALF at 24h after LPS challenge. In addition, histopathological examination indicates that florfenicol significantly attenuates tissue injury of the lungs in LPS-induced ALI. Furthermore, florfenicol also inhibits the production of several inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) at 6 and 12h, interleukin-6 (IL-6) at 12 and 24h, and interleukin-1ss (IL-1ss) at 12h, in the BALF after LPS challenge. These results suggest that florfenicol protects against LPS-induced ALI in mice.
Insights
Florfenicol treatment significantly reduces lung injury and inflammation in mice challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This antibiotic effectively mitigates acute lung injury (ALI) by lowering inflammatory markers and improving lung tissue health.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Florfenicol, an antibiotic, is known to modulate cytokine responses and enhance survival in endotoxemia.
- Acute Lung Injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a significant inflammatory condition.
- Understanding florfenicol's in vivo effects on ALI is crucial for potential therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of florfenicol against LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in a mouse model.
- To evaluate florfenicol's impact on lung injury markers, cellular infiltration, and cytokine production in ALI.
Main Methods:
- A mouse model of LPS-induced ALI was established.
- Mice were pretreated with a single dose of florfenicol (100 mg/kg).
- Lung injury was assessed by measuring the wet/dry (W/D) ratio, protein concentration, and cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Histopathological examination and cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) were also analyzed.
Main Results:
- Florfenicol pretreatment significantly reduced the W/D ratio and protein concentration in BALF.
- A significant decrease in total cells, neutrophils, and macrophages was observed in BALF.
- Florfenicol attenuated lung tissue injury and inhibited the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in BALF.
Conclusions:
- Florfenicol demonstrates significant protective effects against LPS-induced ALI in mice.
- The antibiotic reduces lung inflammation and tissue damage by modulating inflammatory cytokine production.
- These findings suggest florfenicol as a potential therapeutic agent for ALI.
