Attenuation of acute lung injury in mice by oxymatrine is associated with inhibition of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase.

摘要: Oxymatrine is one of the alkaloids extracted from Chinese herb Sophora japonica (Sophora flavescens Ait.) with activities anti-inflammation, inhibiting immune reaction, antivirus, protecting hepatocytes and antihepatic fibrosis. However, effect oxymatrine on acute lung injury (ALI) has not been known yet. In this study, ALI was investigated using an oleic acid-induced mouse model. Morphological findings showed that acid group demonstrated a marked represented by prominent atelectasis, intraalveolar interstitial patchy hemorrhage, edema, thickened alveolar septum, formation hyaline membranes existence inflammatory cells in spaces. While oxymatrine/dexamethasone group, these changes were less severe vicinity control group. Furthermore, pretreatment significantly alleviated accompanied reduction index wet-to-dry weight ratio, decreases serum TNF-alpha level inhibition phosphorylated p38 MAPK. These suggest beneficial induced mice may inhibit production proinflammatory cytokine, TNF-alpha, means