Background:
We have previously shown that the thioloxidizing agent diethyl maleate prevents lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced up-regulation of endothelial cell intercellular adhesion molecule–1 (ICAM-1) in vitro.
Objective:
To determine the effect of glutathione depletion on the development of local skin inflammation in vivo, a model known to be dependent on ICAM-1.
Design:
Swiss Webster mice were injected with intradermal LPS (30 μg) or isotonic saline solution.
Intervention:
Mice were pretreated for 1 hour with intraperitoneal diethyl maleate (6 mmol/kg) or corn oil vehicle.
Main Outcome Measures:
Injection sites were harvested after 12 and 24 hours and evaluated for changes in vascular permeability and histological characteristics. To determine the mechanism underlying our findings, we evaluated skin ICAM-1 immunohistochemistry, levels of ICAM-1 protein and messenger RNA (mRNA), and neutrophil CD11b expression at the 24-hour point.
Results:
Diethyl maleate significantly decreased the skin permeability index in a dose-dependent fashion at 24 hours but not at 12 hours. Skin histological examination under light microscopy showed a marked LPSinduced neutrophil infiltration at 24 hours, which was inhibited with diethyl maleate pretreatment. Immunohistochemical examination showed that diethyl maleate reduced ICAM-1 expression. In keeping with the hypothesized mechanism, diethyl maleate attenuated the LPS-induced up-regulation of ICAM-1 mRNA by 44%. Diethyl maleate also slightly but insignificantly reduced CD11b expression in vivo.
Conclusions:
Diethyl maleate markedly attenuates LPS-induced dermal inflammation, primarily through a reduction in ICAM-1 protein and mRNA expression. These data suggest that manipulation of the intracellular redox state may have a beneficial role in neutrophil-mediated inflammation.Arch Surg. 1997;132:1165-1170