ABSTRACT
Aim To investigate the potential role of desipramine(DP) on lipoplysaccharide（LPS）-induced acute lung injury(ALI)and the mechanism of its action.Methods Kunming mice were divided into four groups randomly:NS group(NS),DP control group(DP),LPS group(LPS)and DP treatment group(DP+LPS).The model of ALI in mice was induced by lipoplysaccharidel(LPS,10 mg·kg~(-1),ip).Six hours after LPS challenged,the lung samples were taken for determination of lung wet-to-dry weight ratio(W/D),myeloperoxidase(MPO)activity,and malondialdehyde(MDA)content.The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)samples were analyzed for total protein concentrateion and white blood cell(WBC)count.The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in lung were measured by ELISA.Results LPS could significantly increase the total protein concentration and WBC number in BALF.The lung W/D ration,MPO activity,MDA content and the levels of TNF-α in lungs all increased after ip injection of LPS.Pretreatment with DP decreased all the changes induced by the LPS.Conclusion Pretreatment with DP protects lung from LPS-induced lung injury in mice,which is,at least in part,through inhibiting the level of TNF-α and decreasing the sequestration of neutrophils and lipid peroxidation.