Experimental pulmonary emphysema induced in the rat by intratracheally administered elastase: morphogenesis.

Abstract

Emphysema was produced experimentally in rats by administration of porcine pancreatic elastase at dose levels of 75, 100, 125, and 150 units elastase activity/100 g body wt. All doses studied were equally effective in producing emphysema. Dose levels of over 75 units activity/100 g offered no advantage in terms of degree or severity of emphysema produced; however, such doses exacerbated hemorrhage and edema, resulting in relatively high post-instillation mortality. Lesion morphogenesis at all doses tested paralleled those described in this and in other species by other investigators. The 75-unit activity produced a quantifiable degree of emphysema which was relatively constant among animals. Results suggest that because of group differences in susceptibility to elastase (or variations in batches of elastase), dose-range studies should be performed on each new group of animals.

• Authors: R H Busch, K E Lauhala, S M Loscutoff, K E McDonald
• Journal: Environmental research (Environ Res) Vol. 33 Issue 2 Pg. 497-513 (Apr 1984) ISSN: 0013-9351 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 6562016 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Pancreatic Elastase

Topics

• Animals
• Lung (drug effects, ultrastructure)
• Microscopy, Electron
• Pancreatic Elastase (toxicity)
• Pulmonary Emphysema (chemically induced, pathology)
• Rats
• Rats, Inbred Strains