Minocycline abrogates lung oxidative damage and haematological perturbations in mice exposed to hypoxia

Objectives: Hypoxia results from the unavailability of sufficient oxygen to tissues. Since previous studies have shown that hypoxia results in inflammation, this research has found it necessary to investigate the impact of chronic hypoxia on the lungs and blood of mice and also the potential benefit of minocycline which is a well-known antibiotic. Design: Thirty mice were split into 5 groups of 6 animals each. A physical model of hypoxia was used. Here, mice were locked in a 250 mL airtight container for 20 mins each day for seven consecutive days. Interventions: One hour before exposure to hypoxia, mice in all groups except the vehicle group, were treated with varying doses of minocycline (10, 20, 40 mg/kg, p.o.). Main Outcome Measures: The mice in the positive control group expressed a sign of lung inflammation with an increase in myeloperoxidase activity, as well as lung oxidative stress with an increase of prooxidants over antioxidants. While in the blood, white blood cells were significantly increased whereas red blood cell count depreciated as blood volume did too. Results: The various effects of hypoxia on the blood and lungs of the mice were significantly prevented and attenuated to an acceptable degree by minocycline Conclusion: In conclusion, minocycline expresses an acceptable benefit in the respiratory and circulatory systems of mice in hypoxic conditions. Keywords: Hypoxia, Lungs, Blood, Haematology, Oxidative stress, Minocycline