Induction of c-jun and TGF-β1 in Fischer 344 rats during amiodarone-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Amiodarone (AM) is an antidysrhythmic agent with a propensity to cause pulmonary toxicity, including potentially fatal fibrosis. In the present study, the potential roles of c-Jun and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 in AM-induced inflammation and fibrogenesis were examined after intratracheal administration of AM (1.83 mu mol/day on days 0 and 2) or an equivalent volume (0.4 ml) of distilled water to male Fischer 344 rats. Northern and immunoblot analyses demonstrated that lung TGF-beta1 (mRNA and protein) expression was increased 1.5- to 1.8-fold relative to control during the early inflammation period and 1 day, 1 wk, and 2 wk post-AM treatment. Lung c-Jun protein expression was increased concomitantly with evidence of AM-induced fibrosis; at 5 wk post-AM treatment, c-Jun protein was increased 3.3-fold relative to control. The results indicate a role for induction of c-jun and TGF-beta1 expression in the development of AM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in the Fischer 344 rat and provide potential targets for therapeutic intervention.