Diphenyl diselenide reduces inflammation in the mouse model of pleurisy induced by carrageenan: reduction of pro-inflammatory markers and reactive species levels.

OBJECTIVE

We reported the anti-inflammatory action of diphenyl diselenide [(PhSe)(2)] in an acute inflammation model induced by carrageenan.

MATERIALS: Male adult Swiss mice.

METHODS

Mice were treated with (PhSe)(2) (50 mg/kg) or vehicle (10 ml/kg) per oral route. After 30 min, animals received saline (0.1 ml) or saline containing 1 % carrageenan (0.1 ml) into the pleural cavity. Total and differential leukocyte counts, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and interferon (INF)-γ] and reactive species (RS) were determined in pleural fluids. Pleural exudate accumulation was determined by Evans blue assay. Statistical analysis was performed by using a two-way ANOVA followed by the Duncan's test.

RESULTS

(PhSe)(2) treatment was effective against the increase in total and differential leukocyte counts, MPO activity, RS levels and pleural exudate caused by carrageenan. (PhSe)(2) partially protected against the increase in TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and INF-γ levels induced by carrageenan. (PhSe)(2) had a similar anti-inflammatory profile to that of dexamethasone.

CONCLUSION

The anti-inflammatory property of (PhSe)(2) was demonstrated in the mouse model of pleurisy induced by carrageenan. The antioxidant property of (PhSe)(2) is related, at least in part, to the anti-inflammatory action of this compound.