Pathway to carrageenan-induced inflammation in the hind

limb of the rat.

A sequential 43-step pathway scheme for the inflammatory response of the rat
to interdermal injection of carrageenan (C) was devised. It consisted of a
nonphagocytic inflammatory response (NPIR) followed by a phagocytic
inflammatory response (PIR) in the dermis and an epidermal NPIR. The
dermal NPIR comprised edema, hyperemia, and hyperalgesia followed by
hypoalgesia. Antiserotonin agents inhibited the hypoalgesia and part of the
edema. These findings and histological observations suggested that dermal
mast cells were injured by C. The hyperalgesia and part of the edema were
sensitive to arachidonate cyclooxygenase inhibitors (AACOIs). It is speculated
that injured mast cells metabolize arachidonic acid and reactive intermediates,
not prostaglandins, mediate the NPIR hyperalgesia and part of the edema.
The dermal PIR consisted of mobilization of neutrophils, edema, hyperalgesia,
mobilization of monocytes, and proliferation of fibroblasts and vascular tissue.
Selective drug actions revealed that the edema, hyperalgesia, and monocyte
mobilization of the PIR depended on the mobilization of neutrophils. After the
mobilization of neutrophils, AACOIs reduced edema formation and
hyperalgesia. Arachidonic acid metabolism by neutrophils is speculated to
produce the mediators of phagocytic inflammatory (PI) edema and
hyperalgesia. Monocyte function was associated with cessation of PI edema
formation and phagocytosis of neutrophils and cellular debris. Interleukin 1 is
speculated to mediate the adherence of neutrophils to injured dermal
endothelium. The epidermal NPIR consisted of edema, hyperplasia, and
hyperkeratosis. These parameters were not studied mechanistically. There
was no evidence for histamine, bradykinin, platelets, clotting factors, or
complement mediating any events in the pathway.
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3100339

Systemic changes following carrageenan-induced paw

inflammation in rats.
METHODS: Acute inflammation was produced by subplantar injection of
carrageenan in a hind paw of Sprague-Dawley rats. Saline was used in control
rats. Paw volume was measured with a plethysmometer. The hot plate latency
test was used to quantify antinociception. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels
were measured with a sandwich enzyme immunoassay. Fibrinogen
concentration was measured using the gravimetric method. Lung
morphometric analysis was performed using an image processing package.
Lungs and paws were also examined for tissue factor (TF) and
proinflammatory cytokines expression by immunohistochemistry
CONCLUSION: This study provides new evidence that a local carrageenan
injection induces a systemic response.
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25772383
Preparation of Carrageenan Solution
Carrageenan is available from chemical supply companies (e.g.,
Sigma). Here, we describe how to prepare carrageenan solutions of
various concentrations and pH. You will need:

2.5 g Carrageenan
100 ml Distilled Water
2 ml Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
Two 250 ml glass beakers
pipette or dropper
pH paper for the range pH 3 through pH 5, or pH meter (see
below)
parafilm

1. Fixing the concentration of carrageenan solution. Carrageenan

comes as a powder, and is slow to dissolve in water. Be prepared to
let the solution stand for at least 24 hours to permit the powder to
dissolve. The resulting solution is also an excellent medium for the
growth of bacteria and mold, and will become contaminated. Hence,
it should be used within a few days of preparation. To begin try a
concentration of 25 mg/ml. Add 2.5 g of carrageenan to a quantity
of water less than 100 ml of distilled water. Then add enough water
to complete a volume of 100 ml. Cover the solution (e.g., with
parafilm) and leave it overnight for the powder to dissolve. After the
carrageenan has dissolved, mix the solution for a few seconds to
make it homogeneous. Other concentrations may be made following
these same guidelines but varying the amount of carrageenan per
100 ml distilled water. 2. Fixing the pH of the carrageenan
solution. We recommend practicing the following procedure on a
small quantity of your solution first. Initially the carrageenan
solution will have a pH of between 8 and 9. Prepare a dilute solution
of HCl acid (e.g., 2 ml of HCl (36.5-38%) in 100 ml of distilled
water). Add the diluted HCl dropwise to your carrageenan solution,
and mix the solution. Measure the pH of your solution using a pH
meter (directions below) or with pH paper. By repeating this
process, prepare carrageenan solutions of pH 3 and pH 5. 3. To
adjust the pH of "pure'' water, add 1 ml of HCl to 100 ml of distilled
water then take its pH. Adjust the pH by adding distilled water.
Once you have the desired pH, add food coloring to the HCl solution.
This will provide contrast between the HCl solution and the
carrageenan when performing the Hele-Shaw experiment.
Source: http://polymer.bu.edu/ogaf/html/chp44exp3.htm
Researches related to our thesis:
Anti-inflarnmatory activity of Urera baccifera (Urticaceae) in
Sprague-Dawley rats
http://www.ots.ac.cr/rbt/attachments/volumes/vol47-
3/08_Badilla_Urera_baccifera.pdf

A study of the anti-inflammatory effect of the leaves of Psidium

guajava Linn. on experimental animal models
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3093039/