Related Experiment Videos
Ropivacaine inhibits leukocyte rolling, adhesion and CD11b/CD18 expression
T Martinsson1, T Oda, E Fernvik
1Preclinical Research and Development, Astra Pain Control AB, Södertälje, Sweden.
The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
|October 23, 1997
Summary
Ropivacaine, a local anesthetic, demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting leukocyte rolling and adhesion. This study suggests its potential therapeutic role in inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Inflammation Research
- Microcirculation
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease.
- Local anesthetics are being explored for novel therapeutic applications.
- Ropivacaine is a local anesthetic with potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of ropivacaine.
- To assess ropivacaine's impact on vascular permeability and leukocyte behavior in vivo.
- To examine ropivacaine's influence on leukocyte adhesion molecules in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Intravital microscopy in hamster cheek pouch microvasculature to observe leukocyte rolling, firm adhesion, and vascular permeability.
- Flow cytometry to analyze leukocyte adhesion molecules.
- In vitro studies on human leukocytes stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha.
Main Results:
- Ropivacaine significantly inhibited leukotriene B4 (LTB4)-induced leukocyte adhesion and rolling in venules.
- Reduced spontaneous rolling leukocyte flux by 72% and rolling leukocyte fraction by 47%.
- Completely inhibited LTB4-induced firm leukocyte adhesion and plasma exudation; inhibited TNF-alpha-induced upregulation of CD11b/CD18 and L-selectin shedding.
Conclusions:
- Ropivacaine exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity.
- This activity is mediated by the inhibition of leukocyte rolling and adhesion.
- Ropivacaine shows promise as a potential treatment for inflammatory conditions.