Further studies on carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats.

A study has been made of the exudate provoked by intrapleural carrageenan in rats. Various parameters have been measured including volume of exudate, numbers and types of cells. Pharmacological assay has shown the early release of histamine and 5HT into the exudate followed at later times by a release of prostaglandins, and a second release of histamine. The role of complement has been studied. Intrapleural injection of carrageenan after complement depletion produced a reduced migration of polymorphonuclear cells and also a reduction in volume of exudate. Prostaglandins remained unaffected by this treatment.