INHIBITION OF EXPERIMENTAL INFLAMMATION BY ORAL TOXIC AGENTS

The effects of oral administration of carbon tetrachloride and mercuric chloride on experimental inflammation were determined in order to define the role of toxicity on inflammation. Cotton granuloma and carrageenin edema in rats were chosen as the procedures for experimental inflammation. Sublethal doses of CCl4 and HgCl2 inhibited experimental inflammation in proportion to the doses administered in both procedures. The degree of inhibition of carrageenin edema by CCl4 nad HgCl2 was similar in adrenalectomized and in intact rats. The results indicate (1) the presence of extraadrenal anti-inflammatory mechanisms following oral administration of toxic agents, and (2) the necessity of obtaining concurrent parameters of toxicity in the assessment of new anti-inflammatory compounds. © 1969.