Protective effect of wogonin on endotoxin-induced lethal shock in D-galactosamine-sensitized mice

The effects of wogonin, a major flavonoid from Scutellaria baicalensis Geor gi, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lethal shock in mice was investigat ed. Wogonin pretreatment prevented the lethal shock in mice injected with D -galactosamine (D-GaIN) and LPS, but not in mice injected with a high dose of LPS. Wogonin definitely inhibited the hepatic injury in mice injected wi th D-GaIN, and LPS and reduced the level of circulating tumor necrosis fact or (TNF)-alpha. The reduction was more marked in mice injected with D-GaIN and LPS compared with that in mice injected with a high dose of LPS. Wogoni n pretreatment did not inhibit the lipid peroxidation in mice receiving eit her D-GaIN and LPS or a high dose of LPS. Wogonin inhibited the in vitro pr oduction of TNF-a and nitric oxide in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The m echanism of the protective effect of wogonin on the lethal shock in mice in jected with D-GaIN and LPS is discussed.