Co-treatment with probucol does not improve lung pathology in hydroxypropyl--cyclodextrin-treated Npc1-/- mice

We previously reported the altered pulmonary function and pathology found in the mouse model of infantile Niemann-Pick C1 disease, the Npc1(-/-) mouse. Despite its salutary properties on brain and liver parameters, we did not find efficacious effects of hydroxypropyl--cyclodextrin (HPBCD) on pulmonary pathology. Since we had previously shown the beneficial effects of probucol on the somatic phenotype in the Npc1(-/-) mice, we have now studied the effects of combined therapy with HPBCD and probucol on the lung with mostly negative results. Body weight and lung weight for body weight were increased in parallel while inspiratory capacity for body weight was markedly decreased. Other physical, biochemical, and pulmonary function parameters were not much changed. There were trends towards improved lung elastance (p=0.09) and compliance (p=0.07).