Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
The anti-inflammatory effects of IV administered clenbuterol in horses with recurrent airway obstruction.
- Journal:
- Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
- Year:
- 2006
- Authors:
- Laan, Tamarinde T J M et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Equine Science · Netherlands
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how a medication called clenbuterol, which is often used to help horses with breathing problems, can also reduce inflammation in their lungs. Seven horses that are prone to a condition called recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), which makes it hard for them to breathe, were tested after being exposed to certain irritants. The results showed that clenbuterol improved their lung function and reduced the number of inflammatory cells in their lungs. It also changed the levels of certain substances that cause inflammation, suggesting that clenbuterol can help manage both the breathing issues and the inflammation associated with RAO. Overall, the treatment with clenbuterol was effective in providing additional benefits for these horses.
Abstract
Cyclic AMP elevating agents have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties in addition to functions such as bronchodilation. The aim of this study was to investigate this dual action of clenbuterol (CB; Ventipulmin) on horses affected with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). Seven RAO susceptible horses received inhalation challenges with aerosolised lipopolysaccharide (LPS), hay dust suspension (HDS) and Aspergillus fumigatus antigen (AF) with and without prior treatment with intravenous CB. Data showed that CB exerted significant beneficial effects on lung function, total cell count (TCC) and bronchoalveolar lavage neutrophil influx. In addition, CB significantly decreased the expression of several pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the alveolar macrophages of RAO-susceptible horses after challenge with LPS and HDS, and increased the expression of interleukin-6, known to act as a pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokine, following different challenges. This anti-inflammatory activity of CB is of additive value to its currently recognised use in equine RAO.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16624708/