INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF PROPIONYL-L-CARNITINE ON PLASMA EXTRAVASATION INDUCED BY IRRITANTS IN RODENTS

The effects of propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC) in various models of inflam mation were studied in rats and mice. PLC (50-200 mg/kg i.p.) dose-dep endently inhibited the granuloma pouch induced by croton oil in rats, but failed to inhibit either cotton pellet granuloma or carrageenin-in duced paw oedema and peritonitis. PLC (100 mg/kg i.p.) significantly r educed mouse ear oedema induced by croton oil, tetradecanoylphorbol ac etate and arachidonic acid; in these models, PLC concomitantly reduced plasma extravasation, as evaluated by the leakage of Evans blue. In a ll the tested models, L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine were ineffect ive, suggesting a specific protective role of PLC in the vascular comp onent of the inflammatory process.