Effect of propolis on endotoxin-induced uveitis in rabbits

Purpose: To test the anti-inflammatory effect of propolis, a natural bee-pr oduced compound, and compare it with corticosteroids fur the: treatment of endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU). Methods: EIU was produced in all rabbits by unilateral intravitreal injecti on of 2,000 ng Salmonella typhimurium endotoxin. The animals were then divi ded randomly into three groups as follows: group A received no treatment (c ontrol), group B received methylprednisolone (5 mg/0.1 mL) (positive contro l); and group C received propolis (5 mg/0.16 mL) by anterior sub-Tenon inje ction at the time of uveitis induction and at 4 and 8 hours after induction . Inflammation was evaluated by clinical manifestations and by measuring th e protein concentration and inflammatory cell content of the aqueous humor. Results: The clinical grade, cell count: and protein levels in the aqueous humor were: control group (6.0 +/- 0.8, 2,519 +/- 470 cells/mu L. 32.9 +/- 2.4 mg/mL); methylprednisolone group (1.8 +/- 0.7, 572 +/- 137 cells/mu L. 15.2 +/- 1.8 mg/mL); and propolis group (2.3 +/- 0.5, 503 +/- 124 cells/mu L, 13.8 +/- 1.5 mg/mL). Statistically significant differences were recorded in the treatment groups when compared to the control group (P < .001). The effects of methylprednisolone and propolIs on EIU were similar (P > .05). Conclusions: Propolis showed significant anti-inflammatory effects on EIU i ii rabbits. The mechanism of its action warrants further investigation. Jpn J Ophthalmol 1999;43:285-289. (C) 1999 Japanese Ophthalmological Society.