Zizania latifolia (wild rice) is native to Eastern and Southeastern Asia. The fungus Ustilago esculenta penetrates this aquatic perennial grass. Makomotake refers to penetration of the Zizania latifolia shoot by Ustilago esculenta. Recent studies demonstrated that Zizania latifolia extracts exhibit diverse biological activities, such as anti–oxidant effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti–inflammatory effect of Makomotake on endotoxin–induced uveitis (EIU) in mice. After the daily oral administration of Makomotake for 5 days, EIU was induced by the injection of a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the footpad of mice. At 24 hours–after injection, the eyes were enucleated and cells infiltrating the anterior chamber and vitreous cavity were counted histologically. Makomotake administration significantly reduced the total number of infiltrating cells. In addition, Makomotake suppressed the production of interleukin (IL)–1 β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–α in murine macrophages induced by LPS. Our findings show that Makomotake can be used as an anti–inflammatory agent against EIU, and that it may be useful for the treatment of acute uveitis.
雑誌名
松本歯学
雑誌名(英)
Journal of the Matsumoto Dental University Society