FLUOXETINE REDUCES INFLAMMATORY EDEMA IN THE RAT - INVOLVEMENT OF THEPITUITARY-ADRENAL AXIS

The acute effect of the non-tricyclic, pro-serotoninergic, antidepress ant drug fluoxetine on inflammatory edema was evaluated in the rat. Fl uoxetine significantly and dose dependently reduced the swelling induc ed by the injection of 10% brewer's yeast suspension in the hindpaw. B oth adrenalectomy and hypophysectomy prevented the effect of fluoxetin e. In contrast pretreatment with the corticotropin-releasing hormone a ntagonist alpha-helical CRH-(9-41) did not interfere with the anti-inf lammatory action of fluoxetine. Moreover, the drug induced a significa nt increase of corticosterone plasma concentrations in vivo, whereas, in vitro, it did not stimulate beta-endorphin release from anterior pi tuitary cells. Our data suggest that fluoxetine exerts a potent anti-i nflammatory action by inducing pituitary-adrenocortical activation via serotonin.