Interleukin (IL)-23 has been identified as a member of the
IL-12 cytokine family. It plays an important role in
inflammation. To demonstrate the changes of
IL-23 in
acute lung injury (ALI) and investigate the protective effect of
Xuebijing in ALI and the underlying molecular mechanism, ALI was induced by
intravenous injection of
lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 750 microg/kg). Japanese white rabbits challenged with or without LPS were treated with
Xuebijing at the same time or saline. Before and after administration of LPS, arterial blood gas and lung
weight gain were examined. Pathological changes of lung tissue were measured by light microscopy.
IL-23 in serum was detected by
enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All animals demonstrated drops in arterial
oxygen tension (Pao(2)) and oxygenation index (Pao(2)/Fio(2)) after LPS application, which were significantly reversed by
Xuebijing treatment. Administration of
Xuebijing reduced lung water gain. Histopathological study also indicated that
Xuebijing treatment markedly attenuated lung histopathological changes, alveolar
hemorrhage and inflammatory cells infiltration. Furthermore,
IL-23 was higher than control group after LPS treatment, which could be blunted by
Xuebijing. These findings confirmed significant protection by
Xuebijing against LPS-induced lung vascular leak and
inflammation and implicated inhibition of
IL-23 expression a potential role for
Xuebijing in the management of ALI.