Antiphlogistic action of granuloma pouch exudates in intact or adrenalectomized rats

Abstract

Injection of lyophilized granuloma pouch exudate inhibited the formation of cotton pellet granulomas in rats. In contrast, lyophilized serum, obtained from rats bearing granuloma pouches, did not exert measurable anti-inflammatory effects. The antiphlogistic activity was not dependent upon the time of pouch development at which the exudates were harvested, and thus did not appear to be derived from the systemic circulation. Unlike ACTH, the exudates failed to elevate plasma-corticosteroid levels in hypophysectomized rats. The exudates exerted significant anti-inflammatory activity in adrenalectomized rats, and these effects were enhanced by concomitant treatment with small doses of whole adrenocortical extract (ACE). The exudates themselves contained little or no corticosterone or cortisol. Thus, the anti-inflammatory properties of pouch exudates do not appear to depend upon contained ACTH or adrenalcorticoids. In contrast to glucocorticoids, anti-inflammatory doses of exudate had no adverse effect on body weight gain. This fact, together with the observed synergism of exudate and ACE in reducing inflammation, suggests that the mechanisms of action of exudate and glucocorticoids may be different.