Protective effect of Edaravone on inhalation lung injury caused by black gunpowder smoke in rats

Objective To explore the protective effect of Edaravone on inhalation lung injury caused by black gunpowder smoke in rats. Methods Twenty four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups(n=8): normal control group(C), inhalation lung injury group(S), Edaravone group(E). The rat model of inhalation lung injury was reproduced by a self-made smoke generator. Rats in E group were given 9 mg/kg of Edaravone by intraperitoneal injection. And at the same time the control group(C) and inhalation group(S) were injected normal saline(12 ml/kg). The animals were sacrificed seven days later, and the arterial blood gas values, lung wet-to-dry weight ratio(W/D) were tested. The blood samples were centrifugalized and the content of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6) in serum were determined. The content of myeloperoxidase(MPO) activity and malondialdehyde(MDA) in lung tissue were detected. And the right lung tissue which was fixed by 4% of formaldehyde solution was observed by HE. Results The level of Pa O2 in group E were higher than in group S(P 0.01), however, TNF-α, IL-6 in serum, MPO activity in lung tissue and MDA content in group E were lower than in group S(P 0.01). Histopathological observation showed less inflammatory exudates and infiltrations in group E than in group S. Conclusion Edaravone shows a protective effect on inhalation lung injury caused by black gunpowder smoke in rats by inhibiting the production of free radical and the release of inflammatory mediators.