Effect of Lactoferrin versus Dexamethasone on Induced Acute Lung Injury in Adult Rat: A Histological Study

Abstract Introduction acute lung injury (ALI) is one of the most critical illnesses affecting the lung and is commonly associated with severe complications. management of ALI without major side effects remains a continuous challenge. Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein having potential anti-inflammatory effects. Aim the study was conducted to compare the therapeutic role of lactoferrin (LF) versus dexamethasone (DEXA) on the microscopic structure of the lung in a model of lipopolysaccharide (LP) induced acute lung injury. Material and Methods thirty-five adult male albino rats weighing (180-200gm) were divided randomly into 4 groups. Group I (control group), Group II (LP group): rats received a single IP injection of Lipopolysaccharide (3mg/kg). Group III (LP+LF group): rats received LP as in group II followed one hour later by IP injection of lactoferrin (5mg/rat). Group IV (LP+DEXA group): rats received LP as in group II followed one hour later by IP injection of dexamethasone (5mg/kg). after 24 hours, lung specimens were proceeded for light microscopic examination, as well as Morphometrical and statistical analyses. Results H&E-stained section of Group II showed marked inflammatory changes, interalveolar septa were significantly thickened and were heavily infiltrated with inflammatory cells and extravasated red blood cells were occasionally detected. Many alveoli appeared collapsed. The lining epithelium of bronchi appeared occasionally desquamated and peri-bronchial lymphoid aggregation were observed. An apparent increase in mucus production and significant increase in number of goblet cells were detected by PAS-stain. Orcein-stained section showed disruption of elastic fibers. immunohistochemical stain revealed a significantly increased reaction to iNOS antibodies. On the other hand, the lung structure in group III and group IV were much more improved, with group IV very similar to the control group. Conclusion Both lactoferrin and dexamethasone showed therapeutic and anti-inflammatory effects in LP induced ALI. These effects were more prominent in dexamethasone than lactoferrin as detected by microscopic, morphometric, and statistical studies.