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Updated: Apr 13, 2026
A Mouse Model of Pulmonary Fibrosis Induced by Nasal Bleomycin Nebulization
Published on: January 20, 2023
NMDA Receptor Antagonist Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Acute Lung Injury
Yang Li1, Yong Liu1, XiangPing Peng1
1Department of Physiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Background:
Glutamate is a major neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Large amount of glutamate can overstimulate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), causing neuronal injury and death. Recently, NMDAR has been reported to be found in the lungs. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of memantine, a NMDAR channel blocker, on bleomycin-induced lung injury mice.
Methods:
C57BL/6 mice were intratracheally injected with bleomycin (BLM) to induce lung injury. Mice were randomized to receive saline, memantine (Me), BLM, BLM plus Me. Lungs and BALF were harvested on day 3 or 7 for further evaluation.
Results:
BLM caused leukocyte infiltration, pulmonary edema and increase in cytokines, and imposed significant oxidative stress (MDA as a marker) in lungs. Memantine significantly mitigated the oxidative stress, lung inflammatory response and acute lung injury caused by BLM. Moreover, activation of NMDAR enhances CD11b expression on neutrophils.
Conclusions:
Memantine mitigates oxidative stress, lung inflammatory response and acute lung injury in BLM challenged mice.
