Lopez A, Sims DE, Ablett RF, Skinner RE, Leger LW, Lariviere CM, Jamieson LA, Martinez-Burnes J, Zawadzka GG.
Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada.
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the acute anti-inflammatory effects of topically applying emu oil.
ANIMALS:
96 male CD-l mice assigned randomly to 4 groups, each comprising 24 mice.
PROCEDURE:
To induce auricular inflammation, 50 n: of a solution comprising 10 micro I of croton oil dissolved in 1 ml of acetone applied to the inner surface of the left auricle (pinna). One hour later, 3 or 5 I of emu oil (low- and high-dose groups, respectively) or 5 micro l of porcine (0 control) was applied to the left pinna. Control mice remained untreated. Six I per group were euthanatized 3, 6,12, and 24 hours after induction of inflamn Specimens of auricular tissue (ear plugs) were obtained, using a 6-mm biops punch. Magnitude of swelling was calculated as the weight difference between (inflamed) and right (noninflamed) ear plugs; degree of edema was determined by the difference between wet and dry weights of the left ear plug.
RESULTS:
Magnitude of swelling was significantly reduced at 6 and 12 hours in mice tr with emu or porcine oil, compared with controls. The greatest reduction was detected in the high-dose emu group at 6 hours. Compared with controls degree of edema was significantly reduced at 6 hours only in the high-dose g whereas by 12 hours, all groups treated with oils had significantly less edema controls. At 24 hours, magnitude of swelling and degree of edema did not differ among groups.
CONCLUSION:
Topically applied emu oil significantly reduce severity of acute auricular inflammation induced by croton oil in mice.
