OZONE-INDUCED ACUTE PULMONARY FIBROSIS IN RATS - PREVENTION OF INCREASED RATES OF COLLAGEN-SYNTHESIS BY METHYLPREDNISOLONE

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Abstract
Net rate of collagen synthesis by lung minces prepared from rats exposed for 7 days to 0.8-1.5 ppm (1.6-3.0 mg/m3) of O3 was increased in a dose-dependent manner several-fold above net rate obtained with lung minces prepared from rats that had breathed only filtered air. Concurrent administration of methylprednisolone (1-50 mg/kg per day) during exposure to O3 prevented increase in rate of collagen synthesis in a dose-dependent manner for each level of O3 tested. Results could be correlated with lower levels of inflammatory edema measured in the same steroid-treated rats as decreased wet weights of their right apical lung lobes. Acute pulmonary fibrosis caused by exposure of rats to high levels of inspired O3 can be partially or completely prevented, depending on severity of insult, by simultaneous administration of high levels of anti-inflammatory steroid methylprednisolone.