The influence of inhibitors of RNA and protein synthesis on dexamethasone action in carrageenin paw edema and adjuvant arthritis of rats.

The anti-inflammatory effect of dexamethasone in carrageenin paw edema and in adjuvant arthritis of rats was not influenced by simultaneous injection of RNA/protein synthesis inhibitors. The increase of the plasma alpha 2-microglobulin level during adjuvant arthritis was significantly reduced after administration of RNA/protein synthesis inhibitors. This inhibitory effect was abolished by simultaneous dexamethasone treatment. The present results do hardly support the hypothesis that the anti-inflammatory activity of dexamethasone and other glucocorticosteroids in carrageenin edema and adjuvant arthritis of rats might be mediated by de novo protein synthesis.