Magnesium Sulfate Reduces Carrageenan-Induced Rat Paw Inflammatory Edema Via Nitric Oxide Production.

Background: Magnesium is an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. This study aimed to investigate the anti-edematous effect of magnesium sulfate (MS) in different protocols of use and the possible mechanism of its action.

Methods: In a rat model of carrageenan-induced paw inflammation, the anti-edematous activity of MS was assessed with a plethysmometer. The effects of the nonselective inhibitor (L-NAME), selective inhibitor of neuronal (L-NPA) and inducible (SMT) nitric oxide synthase on the effects of MS were evaluated.

Results: MS administered systemically before or after inflammation reduced edema by 30% (5 mg/kg, P < .05) and 55% (30 mg/kg, P < .05). MS administered locally (.5 mg/paw, P < .05) significantly prevented the development of inflammatory edema by 60%. L-NAME, intraperitoneally administered before MS, potentiated (5 mg/kg, P < .05) or reduced (3 mg/kg, P < .05), while in the highest tested dose L-NPA (2 mg/kg, P < .01) and SMT (.015 mg/kg, P < .01) reduced the anti-edematous effect of MS.

Conclusions: Magnesium is a more effective anti-edematous drug in therapy than for preventing inflammatory edema. The effect of MS is achieved after systemic and local peripheral administration and when MS is administered as a single drug in a single dose. This effect is mediated at least in part via the production of nitric oxide.