Experiences in the search for anti-inflammatory agents of microbial origin

Whole shaken cultures of 20 random, unidentified actinomycetes were extracted with n-butanol at pH 4.5, 7.0 and 8.5, respectively. Residues of butanol-extractable materials (BXM) were reconstituted (100X) in buffers and freeze-dried. BXM were surprisingly well tolerated in animals and were screened against influenza A viral pneumonia in mice. One culture yielded BXM-80 which suppressed both chemical (LPS) and viral (NDV) pneumonia in mice as well as inhibited rat foot pad edema induced by carrageenin. Aspirin, Butazolidin, hydrocortisone, indomethacin, and prednisolone, which are known to inhibit carrageenin-induced rat foot pad edema were tested against chemical (LPS) and viral (NDV) pneumonia in mice. Only hydrocortisone and prednisolone suppressed LPS pneumonia. All of these 5 compounds failed to inhibit NDV pneumonia. Microbial products are suggested as a source for new and unique anti-inflammatory agents.