Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Tension-Free Weight-Bearing Model of Steroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head in Rats
05:55

Tension-Free Weight-Bearing Model of Steroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head in Rats

Published on: September 27, 2024

Fenoterol did not enhance glucocorticoid-induced skeletal changes in male rats

Joanna Folwarczna1, Barbara Nowińska, Leszek Śliwiński

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Sosnowiec, Poland. jfolwarczna@sum.edu.pl

Acta Biochimica Polonica
|September 3, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Glucocorticoids like prednisolone and beta-2 agonists such as fenoterol harm bone health in mature rats. Combining these asthma medications did not worsen the skeletal damage caused by either drug alone.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Endocrinology
  • Orthopedics

Background:

  • Glucocorticoids and beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonists are standard asthma treatments.
  • Both drug classes pose risks to skeletal health.
  • Understanding their combined skeletal effects is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate fenoterol's impact on prednisolone-induced bone changes in mature male rats.
  • To determine if combined fenoterol and prednisolone exacerbate skeletal damage.

Main Methods:

  • Mature male Wistar rats received daily subcutaneous prednisolone or intraperitoneal fenoterol for 4 weeks.
  • Bone turnover markers, geometric parameters, bone mineral density, histomorphometry, and mechanical properties were assessed.
  • Tibia, femur, and L-4 vertebra were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Both prednisolone and fenoterol independently caused detrimental skeletal effects.
  • Concurrent administration of fenoterol and prednisolone did not intensify the negative skeletal impact of either drug.
  • No synergistic bone damage was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Fenoterol and prednisolone each negatively affect bone health in mature male rats.
  • Combined use does not lead to amplified skeletal damage compared to monotherapy.
  • This suggests a lack of synergistic negative skeletal effects between these asthma medications.

More Related Videos

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies06:24

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies

Published on: January 10, 2025

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids08:02

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids

Published on: April 25, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids01:26

COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids

Chronic obstructive pulmonary isease (COPD) involves a group of progressive lung disorders characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic respiratory symptoms. Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS), encompassing features of both asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a group of progressive lung disorders that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. ACOS leads to complex clinical presentations that combine the inflammatory...
Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists

Bronchodilators are critical in managing asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction due to inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Specifically, bronchodilators ease this constriction by relaxing the bronchial muscles, facilitating easier breathing.
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects01:21

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects

Skeletal muscle relaxants are widely used for muscle paralysis and relieving pain following any muscle injury or stiffness. However, depending on the drug type, they can have adverse effects that range from mild to severe. Usually, nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers have minimal side effects. For example, drugs like d-tubocurarine, cisatracurium, and rocuronium cause hypotension, whereas drugs like baclofen, when stopped abruptly, can lead to the recurrence of spastic conditions.
Unlike...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers01:19

Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers

Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms: