Inflammatory edema induced by carrageenin in monosodium glutamate-treated rats

Rats treated with monosodium glutamate (MSG) during the neonatal period show hypothalamic lesions and multiple neuroendocrine alterations manifested as a remarkable increase in levels of circulating corticosterone and obesity. Paw edema induced by local injection of carrageenin was significantly reduced in MSG-treated rats compared to normal rats. In contrast, both adrenalectomized rats and adrenalectomized, MSG-treated rats showed an increased response to carrageenin relative to controls. These results suggest that glucocorticoids are important modulators of inflammation in this phase of the process.