The influence of endotracheally administered bleomycin on hydroxyproline content and collagenase and elastase activity in rat lungs.

Abstract

The effect of endotracheal administration of bleomycin (10 mg x kg-1) on hydroxyproline content, and on collagenase and elastase activities in rat lungs was investigated. A significant increase in lung tissue hydroxyproline content on 7th day after bleomycin administration was observed. Similar rise in this amino acid level in bronchoalveolar lavage was observed, however, on 14th day after the drug administration. Collagenase activity was lowered by 17% and 36%, respectively. No changes in elastase activity were found. These data suggest that bleomycin cause the lung fibrosis by restraining the collagenase activity.