Effect of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f, a Chinese Traditional Herb, on Macrophage Function in Mice, II. Inhibition of Inflammatory Mediator Production in vivo

Abstract

The effect of the chloroform extract ofTripterygium wilfordiiHookf (TWH) on inflammatory mediator production was examinedin vivoin BALB/c mice. Autoclaved Teflon chambers (30×10 mm) were implanted into the backs of BALB/c mice. After 10 days, 1 % zymosan A in a volume of 300 μl was injected into the chamber to induce local inflammatory responses. Exudate fluid in the chamber was withdrawn at various intervals after zymosan injection to measure the levels of inflammatory mediators, interleukin-1 β, tumor necrosis factor- α and prostaglandin E₂. After zymosan injection, levels of inflammatory mediators increased rapidly, reached maximums 1 to 2 days later, then slowly decreased to baseline levels. Oral treatment with TWH extract 2 hours before zymosan injection reduced in a dose-dependent manner concentrations of both interleukin-1 i and tumor necrosis factor- α in exudate fluid obtained from mice 24 hours after injection. However, TWH extract reduced prostaglandin E₂concentrations at only the highest dose used.