Biochemical and histological evaluations of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant p-chloro-selenosteroid actions in acute murine models of inflammation

This study investigated the potential p-chloro-selenosteroid (PCS) anti-inflammatory effect in different animal models of acute inflammation. In order to determine a time- and a dose-curve response of action, female adult Swiss mice (25–35 g) were divided in different groups and pretreated by the intragastric route (i.g.) with PCS (5–10 mg/kg) and after the specific times (5, 30 and 60 min) the ear inflammation was induced with croton oil (2.5%, 20 μl). The ear edema, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and histological analyses were performed. In a second experiment, the pleurisy model was used to determine the PCS protective effect (10 mg/kg, i.g., 30 min before induction) in the inflammatory and oxidative alterations induced by an intrapleural injection of a 1% carrageenan solution (0.1 ml) in exudate and lung samples. Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg, i.g.) was used as positive control for both models. Statistical analysis was performed through a One-Way ANOVA test followed by the Newman–Keuls' test. Pretreatment of 30 min with PCS, only at a dose of 10 mg/kg, decreased ear edema and the MPO activity as well as the histological alterations induced by croton oil. In the pleurisy model, PCS (10 mg/kg, i.g.; 30 min) reduced the leukocyte counts, histological alterations, MPO and adenosine deaminase activities, oxidative damage and the non-enzymatic antioxidant defense imbalance. PCS had a similar anti-inflammatory profile to dexamethasone; however, it showed a better antioxidant effect. PCS had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions in two well established inflammation models in mice.