SUPPRESSION OF ACUTE-INFLAMMATION WITH LIPOSOME-ASSOCIATED PROSTAGLANDIN E(1)

Prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)) suppresses leucocyte effector function and reduces inflammation in several animal models of acute and chronic in flammation. A drawback to its use as a therapeutic agent is the relati vely high doses needed to suppress inflammation. We present evidence i n this report that liposome associated PGE(1) (LAP) reduces markedly a cute inflammation induced in a subcutaneous air pouch by monosodium ur ate crystals, and by the polypeptide mediators, interleukin 1-beta (IL -1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). A single dose of 12 mu g/kg LAP given intravenously 2 hr after inflammation was induce d, reduced accumulation of cells and exudate by 31-49%.