Effects of Small-Particle Aerosols of Rimantadine and Ribavirin on Arterial Blood pH and Gas Tensions, and Lung Water Content of A2 Influenza-Infected Mice.
Abstract
The respiratory pathophysiology of A2 influenza infection was studied in mice treated with small-particle aerosols (SPA) of rimantadine or ribavirin. Untreated infections in mice resulted in survival rates of 15% or less, and were characterized by (a) severe hypoventilation (decreased PO2 and increased PCO2), (b) compensated respiratory acidosis (increased PCO2 and HCO3, with normal pH), (c) pneumonia with increased ratio of wet/dry lung weight, and (d) hypothermia. Treatment with SPA of rimantadine (21 mg/kg/day for 4 days) beginning 72 h after virus challenge significantly improved survival rate (80%) but failed to alter lung pathology found in infected, untreated mice. Rimantadine treatment decreased somewhat the severity of hypoventilation, respiratory acidosis, lung wet weight, hypothermia, and lung virus titers, observed in infected-untreated mice. SPA of ribavirin (26 mg/kg/day for 4 days) initiated 6 h after SPA exposure of mice to virus significantly improved survival rate (95%) and reduced lung virus titers and lung pathology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 28, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA035466
Entities
People
- Duane E. Hilmas
- J. Bruce Arensman
- Joseph W. Dominik
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases