Abstract
Sodium aceneuramate (Neu 5Ac-Na), sodium salt of N-acetylneuraminic acid known as sialic acid, was shown to possess anti-inflammatory effect after intravenous administration to carrageenan-induced paw edema but not effective after oral administration. Half life of Neu 5Ac-Na was within 5 minutes and Neu 5Ac-Na was not detectable in plasma 3 hours after intravenous administration, but anti-inflammatory effect was still observed 3 to 4 hours after intravenous administration of Neu 5Ac-Na.
Accumulation in inflammatory region of Neu 5Ac-Na was investigated. The inflammatory exudates were obtained following the subcutaneous implantation of carrageenan-soaked polyester sponges in rats. The levels of radioactivity in the exudates after intravenous administration of 14C-labelled Neu 5Ac was 3 to 4 times higher than those in plasma.
Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) was detected by radioimmunoassay in inflammatory exudates obtained from the implantation of sponges in rats. Production of LTB4 was significantly reduced by i.v, administration of Neu 5Ac-Na to rats.
