Soluble Collagen Content Research Articles

Effect of Age on Structural Properties of Intramuscular Connective Tissue, Muscle Fibre, Collagen Content and Meat Tenderness in Pig longissimus lumborum muscle

Changes in the structure and properties of the intramuscular connective tissue, muscle fibre size, collagen content and meat tenderness of m. longissimus lumborum during growth was studied in 45 Polish Large White (PLW) pigs slaughtered at 90, 150 and 210 days of age. The results show that the endomysial sheath in m. longissimus lumborum consists of collagen fibrils of wavy appearance which run in all directions and form a loose network. The arrangement of collagen fibrils in the endomysium and perimysium becomes denser and more regular with increasing age of pigs. In addition, the increase in endomysium and perimysium thickness was paralleled by a significant increase in muscle fibre diameter, as well as an increase in shear force value with chronological aging. In contrast, the percentage of collagen area in muscle structure and the amount of total collagen and amount of soluble collagen decreased gradually with age of pigs. In conclusion, the structural changes in the arrangement of collagen fibres in the architecture of intramusclular connective tissue, as well as the decrease in soluble collagen content in m. longissimus lumborum during growth of pigs are important factors influencing shear force value, and thus raw meat tenderness.

Ripening effect on chemical composition, microstructure, collagen solubility, shear force, texture parameters, and sensory evaluation: a case study of kumpia wieprzowa

The aim of this study was to determine the changes in the microstructure as well as some texture and sensory parameters of kumpia wieprzowa – a unique traditional Polish meat product, subjected to a 3-month ripening period. The product was dried consequently, and therefore a decrease in the water content was simultaneous with an increase of protein, fat, and salt content, approximately 45, 70, and 26 g/kg, respectively. The well-preserved structure of perimysium corresponded with the Warner-Bratzler (WB) shear force, texture profile analysis (TPA) hardness, and TPA chewiness values. The final results of TPA hardness (134.6 N) correlated with water activity of 0.88 (p = –0.88) and 15 g/kg content of soluble collagen (p = 0.91). Despite the significant decline of the water content (145 g/kg), the perception of juiciness did not change in the sensory evaluation (4.4 points). Apart from the tenderness, the flavor desirability, saltiness as well as the flavor and odor intensity affected the overall evaluation.

Impact of animal and management factors on collagen characteristics in beef: a meta-analysis approach

The aim of this paper was to identify pre-slaughter factors that modify total and insoluble collagen contents in bovine muscle to construct a model of collagen dynamics. The meta-analyses were performed with primary data of total (n = 1165) and insoluble (n = 1145) collagen contents from INRA experiments obtained from different muscles in young bulls, cows and steers. According to both the bibliography and meta-analyses, total collagen content and solubility were greatly affected by the muscle (type). Moreover, the pattern of the evolution of collagen characteristics was similar among Longissimus, Semitendinosus and Triceps brachii muscles in young bulls. In cows, collagen contents in the Triceps brachii muscle had delayed dynamics compared with the other muscles. Collagen characteristics differed among breeds because of variation in the maturity of the breed. Similarly, according to the meta-analyses, total and insoluble collagen content evolutions with the degree of maturity (DOM; proportion of adult weight reached at slaughter) were different in dairy and rustic breeds from those of beef breeds, especially in bulls. Although the relationships between collagen content and DOM were quantified in different muscles and sexes, the precision of the fitted equations was not sufficient for prediction. Consequently, relying on the hypotheses raised by the meta-analysis and the literature, an approach to further develop a dynamic mechanistic model of soluble and insoluble collagen content is proposed.

Meat quality of young Nellore bulls with low and high residual feed intake

Fifty-nine Nellore bulls from low and high residual feed intake (RFI) levels were studied with the objective of evaluating meat quality traits. Animals were slaughtered when ultrasound-measured backfat thickness reached 4mm, and samples of Longissimus were collected. A mixed model including RFI as fixed effect and herd and diet as random effects was used, and least square means were compared by t-test. More efficient animals consumed 0.730kg dry matter/day less than less efficient animals, with similar performance. No significant differences in carcass weight, prime meat cuts proportion, chemical composition, pH, sarcomere length, or color were observed between RFI groups. Shear force, myofibrillar fragmentation index and soluble collagen content were influenced by RFI, with a higher shear force and soluble collagen content and a lower fragmentation index in low RFI animals. Feedlot-finished low RFI young Nellore bulls more efficiently convert feed into meat, presenting carcasses within quality standards.

Comparison of Meat Quality Traits, Free Amino Acid and Fatty Acid on Longissimus Lumborum Muscles from Hanwoo, Holstein and Angus Steers, Fattened in Korea

This study was conducted to compare meat quality traits related to the tenderness of longissimus muscles obtained from domestic and imported steers. A total of 12 steers from three breeds were slaughtered, and were graded as quality grade 2. They were composed of 4 Hanwoo and 4 Holstein steers (domestic) as well as 4 Angus steers (imported from Australia and gained for six months in Korea until slaughtered). The longissimus lumborum muscles were separated and were stored at <TEX>$4^{\circ}C$</TEX> for 7 and 14 d. Sarcomere length of Hanwoo was significantly shorter than Holstein and Angus at storage day 14 (p<0.05). The myofibrillar index was significantly lower on Hanwoo than Angus at ageing day 7, and was significantly lower than Holstein and Angus steers at storage day 14 (p<0.05). Total collagen contents of Hanwoo and Angus steers were significantly higher than Holstein on storage day 7 (p<0.05), whereas soluble collagen contents of Holstein were significantly higher than Hanwoo and Angus on storage days 7 and 14 (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the fatty acid composition of the three breeds (p>0.05). Glutamic acid contents of Hanwoo and Angus steers were higher than those of Holstein steers at ageing day 7 and 14 (p<0.05). The results of this study have shown that there were no dramatic differences between beef from the three breeds that were fattened for 6 months under equal conditions.

Influence of selection for muscle growth capacity on meat quality traits and properties of the rectus abdominis muscle of Charolais steers

Twenty-three Charolais steers, slaughtered at 31 months of age and an average live weight of either 674kg (light group; n=13) or 751kg (heavy group; n=10) were used to determine the effect of increasing weight at slaughter by genetic selection on meat quality traits. Steers were born to pure-bred Charolais cows from an INRA experimental herd, reared and finished under the same breeding practices. The quality of meat from the M. rectus abdominis excised 24h postmortem was scored after 14 days ageing between 0 and 10 by sensory analysis using four descriptors: global assessment, initial tenderness, overall tenderness, juiciness and flavor intensity. Shear force measurements were evaluated on raw and broiled meat after 14 days of ageing. The pH, collagen and lipid contents, the collagen solubility, isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), lactate dehydrogenase and cytochrome-c oxidase activities and the proportion of myosin heavy chain isoforms were measured 24h post-slaughter.The heavy group was characterized by a significantly higher empty live weight (683 vs 614kg) and carcass weight (before removing external fat: 469 vs 408kg; after removing external fat: 463 vs 403kg) at slaughter than the light one but an equivalent fatness score (2.74 on 5).Scores of heavy steer M. rectus abdominis were significantly higher for descriptors of initial tenderness (6.95 vs 6.31) and overall tenderness (6.79 vs 6.22) although the intramuscular fat content was equivalent for light and heavy group samples (16.6% of dry matter on average). Global assessment and flavor intensity were also slightly in favor of heavy group samples (6.49 vs 5.85 and 6.48 vs 6.07), but no differences were found between the two groups in meat juiciness (6.10 on average). Shear force on raw and broiled meat was not significantly different between groups (5.13 and 6.98 daN on average).No significant differences were found between groups on total and soluble collagen contents (p=0.32 and p=0.49 respectively). The heavy group was associated with a more glycolytic metabolism (LDH enzyme: 620 vs 528μmol/min/g; p=0.03) and a higher myosin heavy chain IIx proportion (39.1% vs 32.3%; p=0.07) without any modification in oxidative enzyme activities (ICDH and COX; p=0.49 and 0.84).

Retardation of post-mortem changes of freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) stored in ice by legume seed extracts

Meat quality of freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) treated with soybean and bambara groundnut extracts at different concentrations was monitored during 10days of iced storage. During storage, the control sample (without treatment) had a higher pH, TCA-soluble peptide content, heat soluble collagen content, proteolytic activities and psychrophilic bacterial count than did samples treated with soybean and bambara groundnut extracts. Conversely, shear force value and likeness scores of the control sample decreased (p<0.05), more likely associated with softening of muscle. The decrease in myosin heavy chain in the control sample was found after 6days of storage. However, no changes in protein patterns of samples treated with soybean extracts at 2.5mg/mL were found after 10days of storage. Therefore, the injections of legume seed extracts, especially soybean extract, at a sufficient concentration, could be a means to retard muscle softening and maintain the qualities of freshwater prawn during iced storage.

Increasing Effect of an Oral Intake of &lt;small&gt;L&lt;/small&gt;-Hydroxyproline on the Soluble Collagen Content of Skin and Collagen Fragments in Rat Serum

We examined the effects of oral L-hydroxyproline (Hyp) on collagen in the body. After 2 weeks' administration of Hyp (0.5 or 1 g/kg) to F344 male rats, the soluble collagen content of the skin had increased, and the serum concentration of collagen peptides was correlated with the skin content of soluble collagen. This result suggests that oral Hyp augmented collagen metabolism.

Effect of thermal treatment on the texture and microstructure of abalone muscle (Haliotis discus)

The texture and microstructure of edible abalone meats were studied during heat treatments from 50 to 100°C for 60 min. No increase in extractable soluble collagen content was observed below 80°C, but a 9-fold increase was observed at 100°C. SDS-PAGE showed that extractable myosin heavy chains and paramyosin contents reduced significantly at 80°C, and disappeared completely at 100°C. The shear force increased slowly from 50 to 70°C, but relaxed back to the initial level at 100°C. Rapid reduction of hardness was observed at 50°C, minimum hardness was obtained at 100°C. Springness, cohesiveness, chewiness, and resilience were enhanced to maximum levels at 70, 90, 70, and 90°C, respectively. Optical micrographs and transmission electron microscope showed a significant increase of intermyofibrillar gaps at 90°C and broken fibers at 100°C. Results suggested that 80°C might be a suitable temperature to produce ready-to-eat abalone products.

Pro-Fibrotic Role of the A2B Adenosine Receptor in Human Cardiac Fibroblasts

Background and Aims: Adenosine is a signaling nucleoside and the interstitial levels of this nucleoside are elevated in certain pathophysiological conditions. Results of our previous studies suggest that adenosine play an important role in pulmonary fibrosis. The goal of the current study is to determine the potential role of adenosine and its receptor subtypes in cardiac fibrosis using the primary human cardiac fibroblasts (HCF) as a model system. Methods: Expression of adenosine receptors (AdoR), a-smooth muscle actin and a-1 pro-collagen was determined using real-time RT-PCR. The concentrations of IL-6, soluble ST-2 and PAPPA in the cell supernatants were measured using ELISA. The concentration of soluble collagen was determined using Sircol collagen assay. Results: Among the four subtypes of AdoRs, the A2B AdoR was expressed at the highest level in HCF. NECA, a stable analog of adenosine, significantly increased the release of IL-6 in a concentration-dependent manner, with a maximal increase of 2.4 6 0.1 fold over the basal level. In addition, NECA (10mM) increased the expression of a-smooth muscle actin and a-1 pro-collagen, and the production of collagen (1.8 6 0.1 fold induction, from 3.4 6 0.2 to 6.0 6 0.4 mg/ml, p!0.05) from HCF. Furthermore, NECA increased the release of two novel biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), soluble ST-2 (1.7 6 0.1 fold induction, from 1.5 6 0.1 to 2.6 6 0.1 ng/ml, p!0.05) and PAPPA (4.46 0.6 fold induction, from 1.46 0.5 to 6.26 0.8 ng/ml, p!0.05). The effects of NECA on release of IL-6, collagen, ST-2, and PAPPA and expression of a-smooth muscle actin and a-1 pro-collagen were completely abolished by a selective A2B AdoR antagonist, GS-6201. Conclusions: This study indicates that the A2B AdoR is the predominant subtype of AdoRs expressed in primary human HCF. Activation of this receptor increases the release of IL-6, production of collagen, expression of fibrotic markers and release of biomarkers of CVD. These findings suggest that A2B AdoR might mediate the fibrotic response in heart diseases.

Changes in beef sensory traits as somatic-cell-cloned Japanese black steers increased in age from 20 to 30 months

Changes in sensory traits of longissimus muscle (LM) from 20–30-month-old cattle were investigated using somatic cell clones of Japanese black steers slaughtered at 20-, 25- and 30-months-old (n=3, 4 and 4 respectively). The fat content of LM samples at 20, 25 and 30months were 23.7, 38.7 and 41.1%, respectively. Soluble collagen content and collagen solubility at 20months was greater than at 25 and 30months. In terms of sensory traits, initial tenderness and juiciness at 25months was greater than at 20months, and fattiness at 25 and 30months was greater than at 20months. These results demonstrate that the changes in physicochemical traits of beef accompanying the differences in slaughter age affect the sensory traits although the desirable effects of the sensory traits do not continue throughout the entire fattening period.

Effect of intended purpose (dairy/beef production) on beef quality

Lizaso, G., Beriain, Ma. J., Horcada, A., Chasco, J. and Purroy, A. 2011. Effect of intended purpose (dairy/beef production) on beef quality. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 97–102. Fifteen Pirenaica (beef) heifers and fifteen Holstein-Friesian (dairy) heifers were compared to consider the effect of intended purpose of the breed on meat quality. Animals were slaughtered at around 12.4 mo of age. Carcass weight was 247.6 kg for Pirenaica and 229.2 kg for Holstein-Friesian heifers. pH24hours, moisture, fat, protein, ash, water holding capacity, CIE L*a*b* and C* and H* values, collagen content, and shear force were determined in longissimus dorsi muscle. Sensory analysis of meat was performed to obtain the texture profile, scored by a trained taste panel. Sensorial differences of meat were mainly in relation to higher fat content observed in Holstein-Friesian (2.87%) vs. Pirenaica breed (1.82%) (P&lt;0.01). Total and soluble collagen contents for the two breeds differed (P&lt;0.01 and P&lt;0.05, respectively) but did not result in different meat tenderness scores by taste panelists. Higher water-holding capacity in meat of Holstein-Friesian was observed (P&lt;0.01). CIE L*a*b*, coordinates C* and H* values were not different between breeds. Sustained juiciness and oiliness were higher in Holstein-Friesian than Pirenaica (P&lt;0.05 and P&lt;0.01, respectively). Results suggest that beef characteristics of young heifers of dairy and beef breeds are similar with the exception of characteristics related to juiciness.

Effect of Heat-Induced Changes of Connective Tissue and Collagen on Meat Texture Properties of Beef Semitendinosus Muscle

The effects of heat-induced changes of intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT) and collagen on meat texture properties of beef Semitendinosus (ST) muscle were investigated in this study. ST muscle was heated to core temperature from 40 to 90°C with an increment of 5°C in a water bath and microwave oven, respectively. Characteristics changes of IMCT collagen and meat texture were estimated. The results indicated that: cooking loss, total collagen and soluble collagen content increased with the increase in heating temperature and time. Collagen solubility of thermally treated meat was relatively high at 65°C irrespective of heat treatment mode. The granulation changes of connective tissue collagen occurred at 60°C and increased during heating to higher core temperatures. The instrumental texture profile analysis (TPA) data of heated meat showed also significant differences between two heating modes and studied temperatures. Results indicated that heating internal core temperature of 60°C and 65°C were critical for affecting meat texture properties owing to the thermal effects of collagen in water bath and microwave heating, respectively.

Suppression of UVB-induced HIF-1α up-regulation by hyperoxia does not prevent wrinkle formation associated with increased MMPs activity in mouse skin

This study investigated whether the suppression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α up-regulation prevents high-dose and long-term UVB-induced wrinkle formation and angiogenesis associated with increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activities. Twenty-four hairless mice were assigned to three groups: 1) control, 2) UVB-irradiation (UVB), and 3) UVB-irradiation followed by hyperoxia (UVB+HO). The backs of the mice were exposed to UVB irradiation three times a week for 10 weeks. To suppress UVB-induced cutaneous HIF-1α up-regulation, the mice were exposed to hyperoxia (90% oxygen) for 2 h immediately after each UVB irradiation. The UVB and UVB+HO groups had significantly increased degrees of wrinkle formation, dermal blood vessel density, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities compared with the control group. HIF-1α expression levels were significantly higher in the UVB group than in the control group whereas these levels remained unchanged in the UVB+HO groups. The activity of type 1 collagenase which digests collagen type 1 (a main component of the dermis), was similar in all groups; furthermore, the dermal soluble collagen content was similar in all groups. These results suggest that the suppression of increases in HIF-1α levels alone is insufficient to restrain wrinkle formation caused by higher doses and longer periods of the UVB irradiation that led to the up-regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities.

Objective Meat Quality and Volatile Components as a Function of Cooking Temperature in Beef Longissimus lumborum

The present paper describes the effect of cooking temperature on objective meat qualities and volatile components in beef longissimus lumborum. Twenty samples of lumbar vertebrae longissimus muscle from Australian Black Angus (grain-fed and chiller aged for 29 d) were screened. Samples were cooked at 50, 70 or <TEX>$90^{\circ}C$</TEX> in a pre-heated water bath for 1 h and uncooked raw samples were used as control. The results revealed that elevating the heating temperature from 50 to <TEX>$90^{\circ}C$</TEX> led to a significant (p<0.05) increase in WB-shear force, total energy required for WB-shear force, cooking loss, pH and soluble collagen content, whereas a significant (p<0.05) linear decrease in protein solubility was observed. The results also revealed that the WB-shear force at <TEX>$70^{\circ}C$</TEX> was significantly (p<0.05) lower than that observed at <TEX>$50^{\circ}C$</TEX> and <TEX>$90^{\circ}C$</TEX>. However, the effect of temperature on cooking loss and protein solubility was notably (p<0.05) higher at <TEX>$70^{\circ}C$</TEX>. The detectable volatile components were mostly produced from fat oxidation, and temperature effects on the generation of volatile components were significantly (p<0.05) greater for aldehydes (hexanal, benzaldehyde, nonanal and octanal) than for ketones and hydrocarbons (hexane, benzene, decan, toluene and 3-methylnonane).

Collagenolytic serine protease in fresh water prawn ( Macrobrachiumrosenbergii): Characteristics and its impact on muscle during iced storage

Proteolytic activity of crude protease extract (CPE) from the hepatopancreas of fresh water prawn ( Macrobrachium rosenbergii) was studied. Optimal activity of CPE was found at pH 7 and 60 °C when casein was used as a substrate. The activity was strongly inhibited by 10 mM N-ρ-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethylketone (TLCK), suggesting that trypsin-like protease was dominant. CPE also showed the collagenolytic activity toward pepsin soluble collagen extracted from prawn muscle. During extended iced storage of 4 days, proteolytic and trypsin activities were found in the first segment of prawn abdomen. These activities were detected in the second segment after 4 days of storage. Heat soluble collagen content was continuously increased during the storage. Nevertheless, no changes in proteolytic activity and heat soluble collagen content were obtained in the abdomen of prawn with the removal of hepatopancreas. Therefore, the release of trypsin-like collagenase from hepatopancreas was most likely responsible for the softening of prawn meat during iced storage.

Increased oxygen tension attenuates acute ultraviolet-B-induced skin angiogenesis and wrinkle formation

Acute ultraviolet (UV)-B irradiation causes skin wrinkle formation associated with hyperplasia of cutaneous blood vessels. This study reports that increased dermal oxygen tension attenuates acute UVB-induced angiogenesis and wrinkle formation. Twenty-four hairless mice (HOS:HR-1) were assigned to 3 groups: 1) control group, 2) UVB-irradiated (UVB) group, and 3) UVB-irradiated and hyperoxia-exposed (UVB+HO) group. The backs of the mice were exposed to UVB irradiation 3 times per week for a 5-wk period. To increase dermal oxygen tension, the mice were exposed to hyperoxia (90% oxygen) for 2 h immediately after each UVB irradiation. Hyperoxic exposure increased dermal oxygen tension by about 10 times compared with the control level. Degree of wrinkle formation and epidermal thickness increased significantly after a 5-wk UVB-irradiation period, whereas hyperoxic exposure attenuated these increases. Tissue adenosine triphosphate concentration and angiogenesis increased significantly only in the UVB group compared with the control group. Although the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha mRNA, a key molecule for angiogenesis, increased significantly in the UVB and UVB+HO groups compared with the control group, the protein level increased significantly only in the UVB group. The activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9, critical molecules for angiogenesis, did not increase in the UVB and UVB+HO groups compared with the control group. Active type 1 collagenase activity and soluble collagen content in all of the groups were roughly similar. These results suggest that increased dermal oxygen tension attenuates angiogenesis and wrinkle formation following acute UVB irradiation.

Changes in the Mechanical and Biochemical Properties of Aortic Tissue due to Cold Storage

Temporary cold storage is a common procedure for preserving tissues for a short time before using them in a clinical or experimental setting. The process of storing tissues at refrigeration or freezing temperatures can affect the mechanical properties of the tissue. Previous studies were limited to uniaxial tensile tests and did not have substantial explanations for what was structurally occurring in the tissue to account for the changes in mechanical properties. This study involved biaxial tensile testing of bovine thoracic aortas that had been stored at common storage temperatures (4°C, -20°C, or-80°C) for three different time points (48 h, 1 wk, or 3 wk). The slopes of the initial and stiff region of the stress-strain curves were measured. The knee point of the stress-strain curves was also determined. Collagen content before and after storage was quantified using a Sircol collagen assay kit. The stored arteries showed decreased initial slope and increased stiff slope after 48 h of 4°C refrigeration. The -20°C and -80°C storage conditions had similar initial slopes compared with the fresh ones but an increase in the stiff slope. There was also a significant shift of the knee point to a higher strain and stress. The soluble and insoluble collagen content decreased significantly due to storage but the percentage of cross-linked collagen was unchanged. Cold storage causes several changes in the mechanical properties due to structural and biochemical changes in the tissue. Overall, freezing protocols (either -20°C or -80°C) are suggested over refrigeration (4°C) for maintaining the initial stress-strain behavior.

Effect of the Inhibitor Peptide of the Transforming Growth Factor β (p144®) in a New Silicone Pericapsular Fibrotic Model in Pigs

Capsular contracture is the most common complication associated with silicone prostheses. It may take the form of anything from slight hardening to obvious deformity. The role of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) in the scar physiopathology of any fibrotic process has been demonstrated. The effects of inhibition of TGF-beta have also been demonstrated in experimental models of fibrosis, which opens the way for new therapeutic alternatives in the treatment of capsular contracture. The aim of this study was to evaluate periprosthetic fibrosis with a newly synthesized TGF-beta peptide inhibitor (p144). Three experimental groups were formed: Group I, subcutaneous and submuscular textured silicone prostheses were left untreated; Group 2, the prostheses were left after being immersed in the vehicle; Group 3, the same protocol was followed as in Group 2, but the solution contained the vehicle with the inhibitor peptide of TGF-beta, p144 (15 mg/prosthesis). The animals were sacrificed 24 weeks after implantation, and the capsules were assessed both macroscopically and histologically. The results obtained showed that the inhibition of capsular thickness and soluble collagen content in pericapsular fibrosis did not significantly decrease in the group of animals treated with the TGF-beta inhibitor peptide in comparison with control cases. We detected no statistically significant reduction in fibrosis in the periprosthetic capsule after treating the implants with the inhibitor peptide p144, but we feel that the influence of trauma around the prosthesis is critical in impeding the antifibrotic activity of the inhibitor peptide.

Antedrug Budesonide by Intrapulmonary Treatment Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Lung Injury in Rats with Minimal Systemic Adverse Effects

Corticosteroids are routinely used in patients with pulmonary fibrosis, yet they have several adverse effects. To improve this situation, we used an animal model of pulmonary injury and early fibrosis and investigated whether the combination of an intrapulmonary inhalation device with antedrug budesonide (BUD) administered to the lung had greater efficacy and fewer systemic adverse effects compared to long-acting dexamethasone (DEX). BUD or DEX was administrated either intrapulmonary or intravenously to bleomycin-treated rats. Anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects were evaluated according to inflammatory cell count, total protein concentration and soluble collagen concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The systemic immunosuppressive effects were also assessed by measuring body, spleen and thymus weight. BUD and DEX were compared with respect to their pharmacokinetic profiles in plasma and lung. Intrapulmonary treatment of BUD attenuates various inflammatory and early fibrotic indices with minimal systemic adverse effects compared with DEX. The area under the curve (AUC) of BUD by intrapulmonary spray was 6.6-fold higher than the AUC of DEX in the lung. This study suggests that antedrug BUD by intrapulmonary treatment has local anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects with minimal systemic adverse effects.