INHIBITION OF BLEOMYCIN-INDUCED PULMONARY FIBROSIS BY COBRA VENOM FACTOR

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  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 107  (1) , 25-28
Abstract
A single dose of cobra venom factor, a known potent depletor of serum complement, was recently reported to be highly effective in inhibiting lung collagen deposition [in rats] at 7 days after [the antineoplastic drug] bleomycin treatment. This, apparently, is associated with suppression of the bleomycin-induced increase in collagen synthesis , down to virtually normal levels. There is also a concomitant reduction in tissue-free proline pool size. No significant effects are noted in noncollagenous protein synthetic rates. This inhibitory effect is not seen at 30 days after bleomycin and is correlated with a return to normal levels of serum complement hemolytic activity. An important role for complement activity in the lungs fibrotic response to bleomycin was suggested.