Mediators of Inflammation (Jan 1995)

Participation of the adrenal gland in the anti-inflammatory effect of polyunsaturated diets

  • V. L. F. Silveira,
  • E. A. Limãos,
  • D. W. Nunes

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1155/S0962935195000585
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 5
pp. 359 – 363

Abstract

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The effect of an n-3 (fish) and n-6 (soybean) fatty acid-rich diet on carrageenin paw oedema in rats, and the participation of adrenal gland, corticosterone and α2-macroglobulin (α2-M) in this process were studied. A significant inhibition of carrageenin oedema was observed not only in rats fed a diet rich in fish oil but also in the soybean group. α2-M was not detectable before carrageenin injection, suggesting that this putative antiinflammatory factor does not participate in the observed anti-inflammatory effect. Corticosterone levels were higher in fat-fed than in control rats, before carrageenin stimulus and adrenalectomy abolished the anti-inflammatory response in fat-fed animals, showing the important role of the adrenocortical hormones in this process.