Jpn. J. Pharmacol. 78 (1), 69-73 (1998)


Production of Superoxide and Nitric Oxide by Alveolar Macrophages in the Bleomycin-Induced Interstitial Pneumonia Mice Model

Chihiro Yamazaki, Jiro Hoshino, Tomoko Sekiguchi, Yusuke Hori, Satoshi Miyauchi, Syoji Mizuno and Katsuyuki Horie

Tokyo Research Institute, Seikagaku Corporation, 3-1253 Tateno, Higashiyamato, Tokyo 207-0021, Japan


Abstract: To elucidate the potential role of superoxide (O2-) and nitric oxide (NO) in the pathogenesis of interstitial pneumonia, the quantity of O2- and NO produced by the alveolar macrophages (AM) were determined in the bleomycin (BLM)-induced interstitial pneumonia mouse model. The production of O2- and NO increased on days 7, 14 and 21 after BLM injection. Strong expression of peroxynitrite (ONOO-) was seen in AM by using immunostaining for nitrotyrosine. The hydroxyproline contents increased on day 21 after BLM injection. O2- and NO are thought to play an important role in the pathology of fibrosis.

Keywords: Superoxide, Nitric oxide, Fibrosis


Copyright© The Japanese Pharmacological Society 1998

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