Neutrophil-infiltrated paw edema induced by mannose-binding Dioclea violacea lectin

Background: the potential edematogenic effect and the pharmacological characterization of a glucose-mannose-binding lectin from dioclea violacea (dvl) were investigated. methods: paw edema was induced with dvl in control animals,and in animals pretreated with glucocorticoid or with blockers of histamine,nitric oxide synthase,cyclooxygenase,platelet activating factor (paf),bradykinin and lipoxygenase. results: dvl-induced paw edema paralleled with an increase in vascular permeability and myeloperoxidase (mpo) activity. dvlinduced edema could be prevented by pre-treatment with the lectin-binding sugar α-d-methyl mannoside. dexamethasone,meclizine and nω- nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-name) inhibited this effect. conclusions: dvl induces edema,increase in vascular permeability and neutrophil infiltration. the edematogenic activity involves the lectin mannose-binding sites and is associated with histamine,cytokines and nitric oxide,since it could be treated with meclizine,dexamethasone and l-name. copyright © 2013 by institute of pharmacology polish academy of sciences.