Effect of propolis on endotoxin-induced uveitis in rabbits

Öztürk F.; Kurt E.; I.nan U.U.; Emiroǧlu L.; I.lker S.S.; Sobaci G.

Effect of propolis on endotoxin-induced uveitis in rabbits

Date

1999

Authors

Abstract

Purpose: To test the anti-inflammatory effect of propolis, a natural bee-produced compound, and compare it with corticosteroids for the treatment of endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU).Methods: EIU was produced in all rabbits by unilateral intravitreal injection of 2,000 ng Salmonella typhimurium endotoxin. The animals were then divided randomly into three groups as follows: group A received no treatment (control); group B received methylprednisolone (5 mg/0.1 mL) (positive control); and group C received propolis (5 mg/0.16 mL) by anterior sub-Tenon injection at the time of uveitis induction and at 4 and 8 hours after induction. Inflammation was evaluated by clinical manifestations and by measuring the protein concentration and inflammatory cell content of the aqueous humor.Results: The clinical grade, cell count, and protein levels in the aqueous humor were: control group (6.0 ± 0.8, 2,519 ± 470 cells/μL, 32.9 ± 2.4 mg/mL); methylprednisolone group (1.8 ± 0.7, 572 ± 137 cells/μL, 15.2 ± 1.8 mg/mL); and propolis group (2.3 ± 0.5, 503 ± 124 cells/μL, 13.8 ± 1.5 mg/mL). Statistically significant differences were recorded in the treatment groups when compared to the control group (P < .001). The effects of methylprednisolone and propolis on EIU were similar (P > .05).Conclusions: Propolis showed significant anti-inflammatory effects on EIU in rabbits. The mechanism of its action warrants further investigation. Copyright (C) 1999 Japanese Ophthalmological Society.