The anti-inflamatory effect of Andira anthelmia lectin in rats involves inhibition of the prostanoid pathway, TNF-α and lectin domain.

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanisms of Andira anthelmia lectin in rat models of acute inflammation.

Material: AAL anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in Wistar rat models of paw edema and peritonitis.

Methods: AAL (0.01-1 mg/kg i.v.) was injected 30 min before stimulation with carrageenan and with initial and late phase inflammatory mediators into the animals paw or peritoneum for evaluation of cell migration (optical and intravital microscopy), paw edema (plethysmometry and histopathology); hyperalgesia (analgesimetry).

Results: AAL inhibited leukocyte migration induced by carrageenan, mainly neutrophils to the peritoneal fluid, decreasing leukocyte adhesion. In the peritoneal fluid, AAL reduced the gene expression of TNF-α and cyclooxygenase, as well the levels of PGE. AAL inhibited the paw edema induced by carrageenan, serotonin, histamine, TNF-α, PLA and PGE, but not by L-arginine. In this model, AAL also inhibited mechanical hypernociception induced by TNF-α, PGE, db-cAMP and capsaicin, and the activity of myeloperoxidase in the paw tissues.

Conclusion: AAL presents anti-inflammatory effect in acute models of rat inflammation involving the participation of prostaglandins, TNF-α and lectin domain.