Dextran and carrageenan evoke different inflammatory responses in rat with respect to composition of infiltrates and effect of indomethacin.

A study of the anti-inflammatory reaction after the injection of dextrans (60 mg) of various molecular weights (10,000-2,000,000) or carrageenan (0.5 mg) into the rat pleural cavity revealed two types of response. The dextrans induced within 30 min partial degranulation of mast cells and a rapid accumulation of fluid with little protein and a few neutrophils. This response was not suppressed by treatment with indomethacin. Carrageenan, in contrast, caused no mast cell degranulation, histamine release or early edema, but a progressive accumulation of a protein-rich exudate which contained large numbers of neutrophils. This response was inhibited by indomethacin. A commercial variety of dextran (mw 250,000) produced both types of response in which a rapid infiltration of protein-free fluid into the pleural cavity was followed by the appearance of protein and numerous neutrophils. The major plasma proteins were identified in exudates collected 4 hr after the injection of either carrageenan and the commercial dextran; in both cases, the numbers of neutrophils were related to the protein content of the exudate. The data suggest that inflammatory infiltrates may be formed through two distinct mechanisms: one associated with transudation of protein-free fluids, the other to exudation of plasma proteins and neutrophils. There are indications that these responses may involve different mediators.