Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (Mcp-1) Concentrations in Carrageenan-Induced Gastroenterocolitis

Abstract

Aim: to study MCP-1 concentrations in chronic carrageenan-induced gastroenterocolitis and the role of this protein in the development and progression of the disease. Material and methods . Thirty female WAG rats were divided into three groups (each group consisted of ten individuals): 1) introduction of 1% carrageenan solution for 14 days; 2) introduction of 1 % carrageenan solution for 28 days; 3) the control group. The animals of the first two groups were developing gastroenterocolitis. The MCP-1 and TNF-α concentrations were measured in the blood serum by ELISA. Results. Development of carrageenan-induced gastroenterocolitis was accompanied by increased levels of both MCP-1 and TNF-α in the blood serum. The level of the increase of both the parameters was more evident after four-week oral taking of the food additive carrageenan. Conclusion. The increased MCP-1 production in carrageenan-induced gastroenterocolitis may be directly due to the toxic effect of carrageenan on the macrophages of the gastrointestinal tract, development of oxidative stress, as well as due to the stimulating effect of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α.