Budesonide inhalation ameliorates endotoxin-induced lung injury in rabbits

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious clinical problem that has a 30–50% mortality rate. Budesonide has been used to reduce lung injury. This study aims to investigate the effects of nebulized budesonide on endotoxin-induced ARDS in a rabbit model. Twenty-four rabbits were randomized into three groups. Rabbits in the control and budesonide groups were injected with endotoxin. Thereafter, budesonide or saline was instilled, ventilated for four hours, and recovered spontaneous respiratory. Peak pressure, compliance, and PaO₂/FiO₂ were monitored for 4 h. After seven days, PaO₂/FiO₂ ratios were measured. Wet-to-dry weight ratios, total protein, neutrophil elastase, white blood cells, and percentage of neutrophils in BALF were evaluated. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-10 in BALF were detected. Lung histopathologic injury and seven-day survival rate of the three groups were recorded. Peak pressure was downregulated, but compliance and PaO₂/FiO₂ were upregulated by budesonide. PaO₂/FiO₂ ratios significantly increased due to budesonide. Wet-to-dry weight ratios, total protein, neutrophil elastase, white blood cells and percentage of neutrophils in BALF decreased in the budesonide group. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 levels decreased in BALF, while IL-10 levels increased in the budesonide group. Lung injuries were reduced and survival rate was upregulated by budesonide. Budesonide effectively ameliorated respiratory function, attenuated endotoxin-induced lung injury, and improved the seven-day survival rate.