Objective and design: We investigated the effect of glibenclamide on inflammatory parameters in a model of acute gouty attack in rats.
Treatment: Intra-articular injection of 50 μl of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals (1.25 mg/site) was used to induce gout-related inflammation. The effects of glibenclamide (1-10 mg/kg, s.c.) or dexamethasone (8 mg/kg, s.c., positive control) were assessed on several inflammation parameters.
Methods: Spontaneous nociception assessment, edema measurement, total and differential leucocyte counts, interleukin (IL)-1β release, prostaglandin E2 production and determination of blood glucose levels were analyzed. Peritoneal macrophages were incubated with MSU and levels of IL-1β were measured. Statistical significance was assessed by one- or two-way analysis of variance.
Results: Glibenclamide (3 mg/kg) or dexamethasone (8 mg/kg) prevented nociception and edema induced by MSU injection in rats. Glibenclamide did not affect leukocyte infiltration, IL-1β release and PGE2 production, but only reduced IL-1β production by MSU-stimulated macrophages at very high concentration (200 μM). Dexamethasone significantly reduced leukocyte infiltration, IL-1β release and PGE2 production. Glibenclamide reduced whereas dexamethasone increased blood glucose levels of MSU-injected rats.
Conclusions: Glibenclamide reduced nociception and edema, but not leukocyte infiltration, IL-1β release and PGE2 production. However, its substantial effect on nociception and edema suggests that glibenclamide can be an interesting option as an adjuvant treatment for pain induced by acute attacks of gout.