Effects of ethanol on experimental inflammation

The carrageenin and nystatin-induced paw edemas were dose-dependently antagonized by oral administration of ethanol. The combination of ethanol and dexamethasone increased this inhibition. Carrageenin-induced edema was also inhibited by furosemide and pentobarbital. The vascular permeability effects of histamine and serotonin were markedly suppressed by ethanol pretreatment. However, ethanol was unable to suppress the granuloma formation caused by cotton pellet implantation. These results suggest that central depression, cardiovascular alteration and decreased vascular permeability may play an important role for ethanol antiinflammatory activity.