Abstract
Objective: This study explored the effects of lysine aspirin on lung aquaporin 5 (AQP5) expression and lymphocyte apoptosis in paraquat-poisoned rats. Methods: Thirty healthy male Wales rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): the control group received 0.9% sodium chloride (0.4 mL, intragastric administration; 0.8 mL, intraperitoneal injection); the paraquat group received 40 mg/kg paraquat (intragastric administration) and 0.9% sodium chloride (intraperitoneal injection); and the paraquat + lysine aspirin group received 40 mg/kg paraquat (intragastric administration) and 20 mg/kg lysine aspirin (intraperitoneal injection). Rats were killed at 24 and 48 h. RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining were performed in lung tissue to determine the AQP5 mRNA and protein expression. Blood from the arterial vein was used to evaluate lymphocyte apoptosis. Results: The lung tissue of paraquat-treated rats displayed pulmonary hemorrhage, interstitial edema and inflammatory cell infiltration. AQP5 mRNA and protein expression in the paraquat-treated group decreased after 24 and 48 h, whereas the peripheral blood lymphocyte apoptosis ratio significantly increased. In contrast, paraquat + lysine aspirin treatment ameliorated these changes. Conclusion: Paraquat decreases AQP5 expression in rat lungs and increases peripheral blood lymphocyte apoptosis. Lysine aspirin can reduce these alterations.
Declaration of interest
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.