Modulation of leucocyte activation in the early phase of the rabbit burn injury

Abstract Previous studies in burned patients have shown an early enhanced polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) generating capacity for superoxide radical (O 2 ), for the arachidonic acid (AA) lipoxygenase metabolite leukotriene B 4 (LTB 4 ) and for platelet activating factoracether (PAF). These findings have been confirmed on a burn injury rabbit model. As we have suggested a pivotal role for an exaggerated initial ( Ginkgo biloba extract (IPS200) injected i.v. in burned rabbits greatly reduced O 2 and LTB 4 generation on A23187 challenge. IPS200 includes flavonoids and other polyphenols, inhibiting either arachidonic acid metabolism or PAF receptors, and may thus exert their modulating effect on PMN function in thermal injury.