title: Protective effect of n-acetylcysteine in a model of influenza infection in mice.
abstract: Reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) and cytokines, particularly tumor necrosis factor (TNF) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of influenza. Using a murine model of influenza, we have studied the levels of TNF, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and of superoxide-generating xanthine oxidase (XO). Mice infected intranasally with influenza virus APR/8 had high levels of XO, TNF and IL-6 in the broncoalveolar lavage, as early as 3 d after infection. XO was elevated also in serum and lung tissue. Administration of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC,1 g/kg per day, orally) significantly decreased the mortality in infected mice, indicating a role for RO1 in the lethality associated with influenza infection.
authors.affiliation: Zambon Research, 20092 Bresso, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ungheri
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pisani
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sanson
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bertani
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schioppacassi
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Delgado
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sironi
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ghezzi