Role of Scutellarin in Ameliorating Lung Injury in a Rat Model of Bilateral Hind Limb Ischemia-Reperfusion

The lung is one of the most sensitive organs that are vulnerable to injuries induced by lower limb ischemia-reperfusion. Scutellarin is a flavonoid glycoside extracted from the Chinese herb Erigeron breviscapus. This study aimed to investigate the role of scutellarin in ameliorating lung injury in a rat model of bilateral hind limb ischemia-reperfusion. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were equally divided into four groups; control, scutellarin, bilateral hind limb ischemia-reperfusion, and bilateral hind limb ischemia-reperfusion followed by scutellarin (at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day for 14 days). Lung specimens were processed for different biochemical and histological techniques. The bilateral hind limb ischemia-reperfusion group showed a significant increase in lung malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase levels as well as a significant decrease in lung glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Histological examination revealed collapsed alveoli, polymorphic mononuclear cell infiltration, thickened dilated congested blood vessels, and excessive collagen fiber deposition in thickened interalveolar septa. A significant increase in iNOS and Bax immunohistochemical expression was associated with a significant decrease in Bcl2 and COX2 expression. Scutellarin administration following bilateral hind limb ischemia-reperfusion significantly ameliorated all studied parameters. It can be concluded that scutellarin could be beneficial in improving bilateral hind limb ischemia-reperfusion-induced lung damage most probably through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. Anat Rec, 302:2070-2081, 2019. (c) 2019 American Association for Anatomy