Effects of Inhaling Normal and Super Gasoline Vapors on the Respiratory Tract of Rats and Therapeutic Potential of Dexamethasone and Salbutamol: A Histopathological Study Publisher



Mamaghani MRS¹ ; Hashjin GS² ; Rassouli A² ; Dariani AM³ ; Vatannejad A²
Source: Journal of Veterinary Research Published:2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Considering the high consumption of fossil fuels and the resulting respiratory complications, it is important to know the effects of gasoline vapors on the pathophysiology of the respiratory tract and the therapeutic role of corticosteroids and β-adrenergic agonists. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the effects of inhaling normal and super gasoline (offered by the gas stations in Tehran, Iran) on the respiratory tract of rats and investigate the therapeutic potential of dexamethasone and salbutamol. METHODS: In this study, 66 Wistar rats were divided into 11 groups of 6. Three groups were exposed to inhalation of either normal or super gasoline vapor under normal conditions for 30 days. Then, they underwent a five-day treatment by intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone and salbutamol alone or in combination with each other. Normal saline solution was used in the control group. Lung tissue samples were collected for histopathological evaluation. The tissue sections were qualitatively examined and scored, and the data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Inhalation of super gasoline vapor significantly increased pulmonary emphysema compared to other groups, but other tissue damage indicators did not show significant changes. The group received dexamethasone had the lowest incidence of emphysema, while salbutamol did not show a significant effect on the incidence of the complication. CONCLUSIONS: Gasoline vapor inhalation has a negative effect on the respiratory health. Dexamethasone but not salbutamol has potential therapeutic benefits in the treatment of emphysema caused by inhalation of super and normal gasoline vapors. More research is recommended to fully understand the underlying mechanisms of these effects and their importance in clinical practice. © Journal of Veterinary Research: