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Inhibitory effects of BaSO4 on experimentally induced inflammation in the rat mediated by alpha M-foetoprotein
Abstract:
The influence was studied of BaSO4 (i.p.) pretreatment on the mediator induced inflammatory responses: oedema formation, measured plethysmographically, increased vascular permeability to protein, measured by the extravascular accumulation of 125I-labeled albumin (125I-HSA) and vasodilatation, measured by the accumulation of 51Cr-labeled erythrocytes. Subplantar application of histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, bradykinin or prostaglandin E2 caused oedema formation, an enormous 125I-HSA accumulation and a relatively small 51Cr-labeled erythrocytes accumulation. BaSO4 pretreatment inhibited all these inflammatory responses to a high extent, while the alpha M-foetoprotein (alpha MFP) serum levels were increased from a normal value of 188 +/- 123 micrograms/ml up to 5200 +/- 2264 micrograms/ml (n = 29). From this study and previous data using purified alpha MFP it could be assumed that the anti-inflammatory effects induced by BaSO4 pretreatment are mediated by this enormous increase of the alpha MFP serum levels of alpha MFP are nonspecific and possibly caused by a coating and/or membrane stabilizing effect on cell membranes and/or endothelial junctions.
Insights
Barium sulfate (BaSO4) pretreatment significantly reduced inflammatory responses like edema and vascular permeability. This anti-inflammatory effect is linked to a substantial increase in alpha M-foetoprotein (alpha MFP) serum levels.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Inflammatory responses are complex processes involving mediators like histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, and prostaglandin E2.
- Barium sulfate (BaSO4) is a radiocontrast agent with potential immunomodulatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of BaSO4 pretreatment on mediator-induced inflammatory responses.
- To explore the role of alpha M-foetoprotein (alpha MFP) in mediating these effects.
Main Methods:
- Inflammatory responses (edema, vascular permeability, vasodilation) were induced and measured using plethysmography and radiolabeled albumin/erythrocytes.
- Serum levels of alpha M-foetoprotein (alpha MFP) were quantified before and after BaSO4 pretreatment.
Main Results:
- BaSO4 pretreatment significantly inhibited edema formation, increased vascular permeability, and vasodilation induced by inflammatory mediators.
- Serum alpha M-foetoprotein (alpha MFP) levels increased dramatically from baseline (188 +/- 123 µg/ml) to 5200 +/- 2264 µg/ml post-pretreatment.
- The observed anti-inflammatory effects correlated with the elevated alpha MFP levels.
Conclusions:
- BaSO4 pretreatment exhibits potent anti-inflammatory effects against various mediators.
- The significant increase in alpha M-foetoprotein (alpha MFP) likely mediates the anti-inflammatory actions of BaSO4.
- Alpha M-foetoprotein (alpha MFP) may exert its effects through non-specific membrane stabilization.