Protective Effect of Boldine in Experimental Colitis

Abstract

The cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of boldine in an experimental model of acute colitis are reported. The administration of boldine to animals with colitis induced by the intrarectal administration of acetic acid, was found to prot«t against colonic damage as expressed by major reductions in the extent of cell death. tissue disorganization, and edema. Boldine also reduced the colonic neutrophil infiltration, as measured by the myeloperoxidase activity. but it did not significantly affect tissue lipoperoxides. Boldine was found to preserve the colonic f1uidtransporto a function otherwise markedly affected in the tissue of acid-treated animals. Results presented here provide experimental evidence supporting new cytoprotective and antiinflammatory properties of boldine.