Effects of tetrandrine on vascular permeability and neutrophil function in acute inflammation

The effects of tetrandrine (Tet) on vascular permeability and neutrophil (Neu) functions in carrageenin induced subcutaneous air pouch inflammation in rats were studied. It was found that the vascular permeability, Neu emigration, beta-glucuronidase (beta-G) release and superoxide anion (O2-) generation were increased in the carrageenin induced inflammation. The vascular permeability, Neu emigration, beta-G release and O2- generation were suppressed by Tet ip (20, 40, 100 mg/kg), but the intracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the cAMP level in Neu were increased by the same dose of Tet. The results indicate that Tet inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and scavenges free radicals. The mechanism of the inhibitory effects of Tet on Neu functions may be related to the increases in SOD activity and cAMP levels in Neu.