Open AccessAnti‐inflammatory activity and possible mechanism of extract from Mikania laevigata in carrageenan‐induced peritonitis
Author(s) -
Alves Claudiney F.,
Alves Vanessa B.F.,
Assis Izabel P.,
ClementeNapimoga Juliana T.,
UberBucek Elizabeth,
DalSecco Daniela,
Cunha Fernando Q.,
Rehder Vera L.G.,
Napimoga Marcelo H.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 2042-7158
pISSN - 0022-3573
DOI - 10.1211/jpp.61.08.0014
Subject(s) - nitric oxide , carrageenan , vascular permeability , peritonitis , pharmacology , inflammation , nitric oxide synthase , cytokine , tumor necrosis factor alpha , chemistry , medicine , immunology
Objectives The aim was to test the potential use of an extract of Mikania laevigata (popularly known in Brazil as guaco), made from leaves harvested in different months of the year, on neutrophil migration after an inflammatory stimulus and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We examined the effect of guaco on vascular permeability and leucocyte function in carrageenan‐induced peritonitis in mice. Key findings Our results demonstrated that guaco extract administered subcutaneously (3 mg/kg) decreased the vascular permeability and also leucocyte rolling and adhesion to the inflamed tissues by a mechanism dependent on nitric oxide. Specifically, inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase remarkably abrogated the guaco extract‐mediated suppression of neutrophil migration to the inflammatory site. In addition, guaco extract‐mediated suppression of neutrophil migration appeared to be dependent on the production of the cytokines interleukin‐1β and tumour necrosis factor‐α. One of the major constituents of the guaco extract, coumarin, was able to inhibit the neutrophil migration towards the inflammatory focus. Conclusions In conclusion the anti‐inflammatory effect induced by guaco extract may be by inhibition of pro‐inflammatory cytokine production at the inflammatory site.