Immunosuppressive activity of concanavalin A

Daily intraperitoneal doses of concanavalin A (Con A) produced a dose-related inhibition of adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Con A was also effective on established arthritis, markedly relieving the disease after only three doses. The inhibitory effect of Con A was neutralised by pre-incubation with ovalbumin, although this treatment did not modify the delayed phlogistic action of Con A in rat paws.