These striking observations show that ...

Out of regulated proteolytic activity is responsible for the chronic lung tissue degeneration and irreversible loss of lung function that define emphysema. In this study we have shown that inhalation of a wide spectrum matrix metalloprotease inhibitor ilomastat, may protect against the development of emphysema in cigarette smoke-treated mice. Control animals were subjected to the influence of cigarette smoke daily for 6 months. As reported previously, cigarette smoke was seen a significant increase in recruitment of macrophages in the lungs of these animals, leading to expansion related alveolar airspace and emphysema. In animals treated daily with scattered ilomastat for 6 months, the level of lung macrophages were significantly reduced, and the accumulation of neutrophils was banned. The corresponding reductions in airspace enlargement to 96% were observed. These striking observations show that the supply ilomastat directly into the lungs of smoke-treated mice may not only prevent lung tissue damage indirectly MMPs, but can also reduce the component tissue degeneration mediation excessive neutrophil furosemide lasix derived products. Our data also show that inhibitors of matrix metalloprotease might be the class of drugs that, if the supply by inhalation, can be used practically for the treatment of smoking, chronic obstructive lung disease, changing the course of the disease. .