Effect of central prostaglandins on carrageenan-induced pedal oedema in rats.

The possible modulatory effect of central prostaglandins (PGs) on carrageenan-induced pedal inflammation, was investigated in rats. Intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) administered arachidonic acid, the PG precursor, produced a statistically insignificant increase in the inflammatory response, though PG synthesis inhibitors, administered by the same route, markedly attenuated the oedema. Centrally administered PGE2 had a significant pro-inflammatory effect, whereas PGF2 alpha exerted an anti-inflammatory action. The results indicate that central PGs may modulate peripheral inflammation and that, at least partly, the anti-inflammatory activity of PG synthesis-inhibiting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents may involve central PGs, as has been proposed for their analgesic effect.