Abstract
Mouse strains C57 and 129S2 show different susceptibility to developing COPD when they are exposed chronically to tobacco smoke. The aim of this study is to determine molecular differences, between these two strains in the early stages of the disease within 24, 48 and 72h of being acutely exposed to tobacco. We quantify the levels of MMP-12 and analyze MMPs activity in lungs of mice by fluorescence molecular imaging techniques using MMPs activable fluorescent probe. We also measure NF-κB and TNF-α levels. The results in C57 strain showed a significant increase in MMPs activity measured at 24 and 48h of cigarettes exposure while 129S2 did not observed changes.
In addition, MMP-12 levels increased significantly in C57, but not in 129S2 strain. Respect to the studied of NF-κB, significantly increased at 24 and 48h, in correlation with an increase in the levels of TNF-α, only in C57.
These results may explain the increased tobacco smoke susceptibility in early stages to develop lung emphysema with the C57 strain, as compared to the less susceptible strain, 129S2.
- © 2011 ERS