EFFECT OF METHYLPREDNISOLONE ON SMALL-BOWEL, SPLEEN AND LIVER CHANGESIN A MURINE MODEL OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL-DISEASE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of methylprednisol one (I mg/kg, i.p.) on inflammatory lesions in the small bowel, liver (pericholangitis) and spleen (lymphofollicular proliferation), in a mo del of inflammatory bowel disease induced by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene in previously sensitized BALB-c mice. As a parameter of corticosteroid anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive action, we simultaneously inv estigated its effects on mononuclear cell accumulation within the ilea l lamina propria and submucosa during the observed time period (1-30 d ays). We noted a significant decrease in accumulation of mononuclear c ells within the lamina propria (P < 0.001). An effect on mononuclear c ell infiltration within the ileal submucosa was also noted but was not statistically significant. In addition, pericholangitis in the liver and lymphofollicular proliferation in the spleen were not observed in the experimental group during treatment with methylprednisolone. The r esults of this study indicate that the previously described model of i ntestinal inflammation could be used in further research of present an d new therapeutic modalities for inflammatory bowel disease.