EFFECT OF ENCAPSULATION ON THE ANTIINFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF SUPEROXIDE-DISMUTASE AFTER ORAL-ADMINISTRATION

Anti-inflammatory properties of free superoxide dismutase and superoxi de dismutase encapsulated into liposomes, with or without ceramides, h ave been investigated. Two models were investigated: carrageenan paw o edema and pleurisy. Animals were fed by repeated doses, twice daily fr om day 1 until day 4. Evaluation consisted of measurement of paw oedem a volume with determination of prostaglandin E(2), thromboxane B-2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F-1 alpha levels. Polymorphonuclear oxidative me tabolism was evaluated by measurement of superoxide anion production, Levels of superoxide dismutase were determined in cells and pleural ex udates. Higher anti-inflammatory effects were obtained after eight adm inistrations of encapsulated forms (0.5 mg/kg) whereas free superoxide dismutase have shown no effects. Ceramides enhanced the results obtai ned.