Synthesized atropine nanoparticles ameliorate airway hyperreactivity and remodeling in a murine model of chronic asthma

The synthesized aerosolized biodegradable atropine loaded nanoparticle (ANP) and its influence on lung hyperresponsiveness, obstruction, and inflammation was investigated in adult Wistar rats. ANP was synthesized with biodegradable polymers-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) and poly ethylene glycol and characterized. Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of ANP and atropine sulphate powder were evaluated in lung hyperresponsive followed by lung obstructed experimental rats. ANP size ranges from 88.30 ± 7.54 nm and showed excellent pharmacokinetics over atropine dry powder Cmax (μg/mL) (4.9 ± 0.92 vs 3.5 ± 0.95), t1/2 (min) (266.90 ± 24.51 vs 125.44 ± 18.90). ANP inhibits inflammatory cytokines, reduced shallow breath and normalized the tidal volume of hyperresponsiveness and obstructed lung. Further, treatment with ANP for 18 days improved the progressive airway obstruction and reduced collagen deposition. Thus, ANP delivered as nanoparticle to lungs improves the airway surfaces of the lung and ameliorated lungs hyperresponsiveness, obstruction and inflammation. [Display omitted] •This study claims that atropine, in the form of nanoparticles reverse the pathological features of ovalbumin induced airway hyperreactivity associated with airway disease or obstruction.•The study further established that atropine nanoparticles modulate the therapeutic potential by directly targeting the lungs which is confirmed with biodistribution study by in vivo imaging.•The distribution and retention of atropine was high in the form of nanoparticles as compare to atropine in powder form.