Anti-uveitogenic effect of Xylopic acid in Sprague-Dawley rats

Abstract

Uveitis, intraocular inflammatory disorder is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. This study investigated the curative effect of xylopic acid on endotoxin-induced uveitis in Sprague-Dawley rats. Uveitis was induced in rats by injecting 110 µg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) subcutaneously. Clinical signs of uveitis were assessed with a slit lamp. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils and total proteins in the aqueous humour of the eyes were estimated and these markers of inflammation were elevated in the control groups. Histopathological assessments of inflammation in the ocular tissues were also performed. There were significant reductions (P≤ 0.05) in vasodilatation of iris vessels, exudation, polymorphonuclear neutrophils and total proteins in the aqueous humour of xylopic acid and prednisolone treated uveitic rats compare to the untreated (control). Histopathological assessments revealed resolution of uveitis in treatment groups but not the untreated. This shows that oral administration of xylopic acid has ocular anti-inflammatory effect in Sprague-Dawley rats.