Studies on Biological Activities of Melanin from Marine Animals. V. Anti-inflammatory Activity of Low-Molecular-Weight Melanoprotein from Squid (Fr. SM II)

Low-molecular-weight melanoprotein obtained from Ommastrephes bartrami LESUEL (Fr. SM II) was subjected to an anti-inflammatory screening procedure and was shown to have a potent inhibitory activity against carrageenin-induced rat paw edema. Fr. SM II was then studied with various acute inflammatory models and appeared to suppress the enhanced capillary permeability of mouse ear induced by xylene and the acceleration of vascular permeability induced by compound 48/80. Using the carboxymethylcellulose pouch method, both leucocyte emigration and protein exudation into the pouch fluid were potently inhibited by Fr. SM II. Fr. SM II was also effective in subacute inflammation induced by the felt pellet and the croton oil granuloma pouch methods. Thus, in addition to its anti-ulcerogenic activity, Fr. SM II also has anti-inflammatory activity.