Abstract
A lectin from Vatairea macrocarpa (Vmac) seeds was investigated in a model of paw edema in rats and the possible involvement of leukocytes. Vmac (200 and 400μg / paw, s.c.) induced a significant time- and dose-dependent paw edema, with leukocyte infiltration, which was drastically reduced in leukopaenic animals. These data suggest a pro-inflammatory effect for this lectin that is dependent on the presence of leukocytes.
Keywords: paw edema,, leukocyte infiltration,, Vatairea macrocarpa lectin.