Generation of C5a and prostacyclin (PGI2) in an inflammatory response to zymosan and a reversed passive Arthus-type reaction in the peritoneal cavity of the rabbit.

Exudate fluids were removed from the rabbit peritoneal cavity 2 h after the injection of zymosan or the initiation of a reversed passive Arthus-type reaction. Inflammatory oedema was measured using Evans blue dye extravasation and the concentrations of C5a and the PGI2 metabolite, 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha, were measured by radioimmunoassay. High levels of C5a were found in these inflammatory exudates and we suggest that the extravascular generation of C5a is important in the induction of increased microvascular permeability. The presence of PGI2 may have an enhancing effect on plasma protein leakage.