Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 21, 2026

Isolation of Mouse Respiratory Epithelial Cells and Exposure to Experimental Cigarette Smoke at Air Liquid Interface
Published on: February 21, 2011
Erdosteine protection from cigarette smoke-induced loss of alpha 1-antitrypsin activity in rat lungs
G L Biagi1, G B Fregnan, G Gazzani
1Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bologna, Italy.
Abstract:
Acute inhalation of cigarette smoke induced alpha 1-antitrypsin inactivation in rat lungs. The elastase inhibitory capacity of the protein could be prevented by oral treatment with erdosteine (a mucoregulator endowed with free radical scavenging properties). A partial dose-dependent protection was observed with 500 and 1,000 mg/kg. The mechanism of its action might be related either to the inhibition of alpha 1-antitrypsin oxidation manifested by two SH groups liberated in vivo or to the anti-inflammatory and mucoregulator properties present in the substance.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

