Abstract:

Background/airns: Carbobenzoxy-phenylalanyl-methionine (CBZ-Phe-Met), a known inhibitor of the chemotactic peptide N- formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) in vitro, has not been evaluated as a topical anti-inflammatory agent in vivo. In order to measure the effect of CBZ-phe-met, one needs a repeat- able, quantitative, easily obtainable standard measurement of the edema formation. In this study, a caliper designed for measuring soft materials was used to evaluate the edema, in- duced by croton oil on rabbit ears, as well as the effects of CBZ- phe-met. Methods: The model used in this study was croton-induced in- flammation on rabbit ears. A caliper for measuring soft materials ( European standard DIN 863 part 3, manufactured by TESA Ltd., Renens, Switzerland) was used to evaluate the edema, which is part of the inflammatory effect . The action of CBZ-phe- met and two other anti-inflammatory agents; hydrocortisone and Na-ibuprofen, were compared. Results: CBZ-phe-met 1-5% was found to reduce the edema on rabbit ears induced by croton oil by 15 to 93%. 5% CBZ-phe- met was found to be as effective as 5% Na-ibuprofen and 0.1% hydrocortisone. Conclusion: The caliper for soft materials was found to be suit- able for measuring the edema induced by croton-oil, as well as the reducing edema due to anti-inflammatory treatment. It was also found that CBZ-phe-met is a potent topical anti-inflamma- tory agent in the croton-oil-induced inflammatory model. This may indicate a new approach in the treatment of inflammation. Key words: Soft material caliper - inflammation - N-formyl-me- thionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) - carbobenzoxy-phenylala- nyl-methionyl (CBZ-phe-met).