Multifunctional effects of anticomplementary agent K-76 on carrageenan-induced colitis in the rabbit

Clin Exp Immunol. 1993 Nov;94(2):348-53. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.1993.tb03456.x.

Abstract

In this study the effect of K-76, a sesquiterpene compound with anticomplementary activity isolated from a fungus culture, on carrageenan-induced colitis was studied from biochemical, histological and immunohistopathological aspects. K-76 suppressed epithelial cell loss, crypt abscess formation, inflammatory cell infiltration, mucosal atrophy, and ulceration. Immunohistochemical examination of the colonic mucosa showed that the number of IgG- and IgM-positive plasma cells and the staining intensity for IgG and C3 were increased in carrageenan-induced colitis, but these changes were inhibited by K-76. Besides, serum mucoprotein concentrations and CH50 levels were lower in the animals treated with carrageenan alone. K-76 exerted multifunctional activity, although its mechanisms of action remain obscure.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrageenan / toxicity
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / chemically induced
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / drug therapy*
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / immunology
  • Complement C3 / metabolism
  • Complement Hemolytic Activity Assay
  • Complement Inactivator Proteins / pharmacokinetics
  • Complement Inactivator Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Immunoglobulin G / metabolism
  • Immunoglobulin M / metabolism
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Mucoproteins / blood
  • Rabbits
  • Sesquiterpenes / blood
  • Sesquiterpenes / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Complement C3
  • Complement Inactivator Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Mucoproteins
  • Sesquiterpenes
  • K 76 carboxylic acid
  • Carrageenan