ISSN:
1420-908X
Keywords:
Nitric oxide
;
Prostaglandin E2
;
Diclofenac
;
NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester
;
Inflammation
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was investigated in a model of intraocular inflammation induced by intravitreal injection of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS, 10 ng) in rabbits. The severity of uveitis, the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in iris-ciliary body, and the protein concentration in aqueous humor were determined. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) activities were assessed respectively by nitrite and PGE2 levels in aqueous humor. Treatment with inhibitors of NOS (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, L-NAME, 50 mg/kg i.p.) or COX (diclofenac, 30 μg, topically), alone or in combination, were compared to a salinetreated group. Diclofenac or L-NAME alone reduced or delayed the intensity of uveitis, and partially decreased the protein concentration in aqueous humor; diclofenac, but not L-NAME, partially reduced the polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration in the iris ciliary body as indicated by the MPO activity. Treatment with both inhibitors in combination diminished the clinical uveitis, the disruption of the blood-aqueous barrier and the MPO activity in the iris-ciliary body. We conclude that NO and PGE2 have additive effects in endotoxin-induced uveitis in rabbits, and that the inhibition of both pathways would improve the therapeutical management of uveitis.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02285162
Permalink
