Zinc sulphate solution enema decreases inflammation in experimental colitis in rats

Background: It has been reported that zinc sulphate contributes an anti-inf lammatory action in many animal models; however, the impact of zinc in coli tis remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine the role o f zinc sulphate in experimental colitis. Methods: Colitis was induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNB) i n rats. Beginning at the first day of TNB colitis, the rats were treated wi th a zinc sulphate enema once daily for 6 days. The rats were examined 8 da ys later. Results: The TNB induced severe colitis as evidenced by increased mucosal l esion area, mucosal myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and prostaglandin E-2 (P GE(2)) and leukotriene B-4 (LTB4) levels. Six days after the application of the zinc sulphate enema, the mucosal lesion area, MPO activity, PGE(2) and LTB4 levels all decreased significantly. Mucosal superoxide dismutase acti vity remained unchanged after zinc treatments. Conclusions: Our data suggest that zinc sulphate enemas have an anti-inflam matory action on experimental colitis. (C) 1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd.