Memantine, A NMDA Receptor Inhibitor Attenuate Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Lung Inflammation and Oxidative Damage in

Atlas Gholami1, Mahmoud Hosseini2, Mohammad Hossein Boskabady1,3

  • 1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

Insights

Memantine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor inhibitor, demonstrated protective effects against lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury in mice. It reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, mitigating pathological damage.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Memantine exhibits known anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent inducer of lung injury.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the preventive efficacy of memantine against LPS-induced sub-acute lung injury in a mouse model.
  • To assess memantine's impact on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in lung tissue.

Main Methods:

  • Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups: control, LPS-induced injury, and LPS with varying doses of memantine.
  • Memantine was administered orally prior to and following LPS injection.
  • Levels of oxidative stress markers (MDA, CAT, SOD), inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α), nitric oxide, and lung histopathology were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • LPS challenge significantly elevated markers of oxidative stress (MDA, NO) and inflammation (TNF-α, IL-1β), while reducing antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT, SOD) and causing lung damage.
  • Memantine treatment, particularly at 20 mg/kg, significantly reduced LPS-induced lung injury scores.
  • Memantine administration restored antioxidant enzyme activity and decreased levels of MDA, NO, TNF-α, and IL-1β.

Conclusions:

  • Memantine effectively suppressed LPS-induced lung injury in mice.
  • The protective effects of memantine are attributed to its ability to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.