Anti-inflammatory properties of ebselen in a model of sephadex-induced lung inflammation

Ebselen (2-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one), is a seleno-organic compound which protects tissues against oxidative stress. Furthermore, recent data has suggested that this compound possesses a range of anti-inflammatory properties. In this study the authors have investigated the effects of ebselen on Sephadex-induced lung oedema and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and endothelin(ET)-1 levels in rats. Sephadex administration induced lung oedema which was accompanied by an increase in BAL TNF-alpha and ET-1 levels. Ebselen administration (1-30 mg.kg(-1), ip, at 0, 4 and 12 h post Sephadex) significantly inhibited lung oedema (dose that produced 50% of the maximum inhibition of lung oedema 4.6 mg.k(-1)) and BAL TNF-alpha Levels in a dose-related manner with no effect on ET-1 levels. These data suggest that ebselen may be a useful therapy in lung pathologies in which bronchiolar inflammation is a feature.