EVENTUAL IMMUNOLOGIAL BENEFIT OF PHOSPHODIESTERASE IV INHIBITOR (ROLIPRAM) ON THE LUNG AND LENS AFFECTION INDUCED BY SELENIUM IN RATS: A PHARMACOLOGICAL, LIGHT AND SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STUDY

The association between chronic bronchitis and cataract is debating. While some referred it to the corticosteroid therapy commonly prescribed to bronchitis, other named different immunological pathways that may be involved in this relationship. We tried to find out the possible immunological benefit of phosphodiesterase IV inhibition in these two common associated conditions. The rats were divided into 4 groups; I: control , II: Selenium (Se), III: roliprampretreated and IV: rolipram post treated groups.  Lenses and lung tissues were collected by the end of 2^nd week. Upper lobe of right lungs was used to calculate the wet/dry ratios. Histological examinations using H&E, Malloryʼs trichrome, Proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and nuclear factor (NF) Kappa B immunohistochemistry study of the lung were done. Scanning electron microscope and H&E studies of lenses were performed. The lung showed significant (P<0.05) elevation of wet/dry ratios with Se administration. There was infiltration by inflammatory cells, congested blood vessels with thickened wall, collagen fibers were increased (P<0.05) with intense NF-Kappa B immuno-reaction.  Moreover, there was increase in PCNA +ve immune-reactive nuclei. All these changes were improved (P<0.05) with rolipram administration. Regarding the lens, rolipram prevented the cortical pathological changes induced by Se. The use of rolipram beforeSe was more effective in preventing the pathological changes. Rolipram prevented the lens opacity and pulmonary inflammation induced by selenium in rats