Effects of isopropanol on the development of inflammatory reactions in rats

The effects of isopropanol on the development of inflammation were studied in rats. Isopropanol inhibited both the histamine-induced increase in cutaneous vascular permeability and the carrageenan-induced plasma exudation into the pleural cavity. The lipopolysaccharide-induced leucocyte emigration into the subcutaneous pouch was unaffected by isopropanol, but the leucocyte emigration of carrageenan-induced pleural inflammation was markedly inhibited by isopropanol. In contrast, when isopropanol was administered with an anti-inflammatory drug (indomethacin or dexamethasone), it enhanced the pleural inflammatory reaction. These results suggest that isopropanol may exert toxic effects through interference with the normal processes of inflammation and interaction with other agents that affect inflammatory reactions.