Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
Establishment and Validation of a Rat Model of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Pulmonary Fibrosis
Published on: May 23, 2025
Protective effect of ambroxol against paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats
Qiao-Ming Zhi1, Li-Tao Yang, Hai-chen Sun
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Jinling Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University, PR China. strexboy@163.com
Objective:
To evaluate the possible therapeutic effect of ambroxol on pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat.
Methods:
Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=144, 200-250 g) were divided into four groups (Control, Ambroxol, Paraquat, and Paraquat+Ambroxol group) and sacrificed on day 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 28. Several significant oxidant stress markers (MDA, SOD and GSH-PX), MPO activity, cytokines (TNF-α, MCP-1, TGF-β1, MMP-2 and TIMP-1), total inflammatory cell count, hydroxyproline content, collagen I and III mRNA were analyzed.
Results:
In Paraquat group, the MDA, MPO activity, hydroxyproline contents, the mRNA expression of TNF-α, MCP-1, TGF-β1, MMP-2, TIMP-1, collagen I, collagen III and the number of total inflammatory cells were up-regulated in lung tissue, but SOD and GSH-PX activity were down-regulated in lung tissue compared with Control group (p<0.05). In paraquat+ambroxol group, the MDA, MPO activity, hydroxyproline content, the mRNA expression of TNF-α, MCP-1, TGF-β1, MMP-2, TIMP-1 collagen I, collagen III and the number of total inflammatory cells were significantly decreased, while the SOD and GSH-PX activities in lung tissue were increased compared with Paraquat group (p<0.05). Histological examination of paraquat-treated rats showed lung injury with interstitial edema and widespread inflammatory cell infiltration in the alveolar space and septum, as well as pulmonary fibrosis. Ambroxol could markedly reduce such damage in lung tissue and prevent pulmonary fibrosis.
Conclusion:
The results of this study indicated that ambroxol could reduce lung damage and prevent pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat.
Insights
Ambroxol treatment significantly reduced lung damage and prevented pulmonary fibrosis in rats exposed to paraquat. This study highlights ambroxol's therapeutic potential for treating lung injury and fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Paraquat exposure is a major cause of acute lung injury and subsequent pulmonary fibrosis.
- Oxidative stress and inflammation are key mechanisms in paraquat-induced lung damage.
- Current treatments for paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of ambroxol in a rat model of paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
- To evaluate the effects of ambroxol on oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrotic markers in the lungs.
Main Methods:
- Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control, ambroxol, paraquat, and paraquat+ambroxol groups.
- Lung tissues were analyzed for markers of oxidative stress (MDA, SOD, GSH-PX), inflammation (MPO, cytokines), and fibrosis (hydroxyproline, collagen mRNA).
- Histopathological examination was performed to assess lung injury and fibrosis.
Main Results:
- Paraquat exposure significantly increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen deposition in lung tissue.
- Ambroxol treatment markedly reduced these paraquat-induced changes.
- Histological analysis confirmed that ambroxol attenuated lung injury and prevented the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- Ambroxol demonstrates significant therapeutic potential in reducing lung damage and preventing pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat.
- These findings suggest ambroxol could be a viable treatment option for paraquat-induced lung injury.
