Histomorphometric analysis of the lung of Swiss mice treated with a fibrinolytic protease.

Fibrinolytic enzymes are considered promising alternative in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases by preventing fibrin clots. A protease from Mucor subtilissimus UCP 1262 was obtained by solid state fermentation and purified by ion exchange chromatography. The purified extract was administered at an acute dose of 2000 mg/mL to evaluate its toxic effects to the lungs of mice. After 14 days of treatment, a histomorphometric study was performed by the type 1 and 2 pneumocyte count and the evaluation of the lung area. As result, the experimental group showed a significant decrease of type 2 pneumocyte and although a decrease in the alveolar area was observed in relation to the control group, no significant pulmonary toxicity, emphysema, and fibrosis characteristics were detected. The in vitro tests suggest possible clinical applications for the enzyme.