Zinc sulphate solution enema decreases inflammation in experimental colitis in rats

Background: It has been reported that zinc sulphate contributes an anti-inflammatory action in many animal models; however, the impact of zinc in colitis remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of zinc sulphate in experimental colitis. Methods: Colitis was induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNB) in rats. Beginning at the first day of TNB colitis, the rats were treated with a zinc sulphate enema once daily for 6 days. The rats were examined 8 days later. Results: The TNB induced severe colitis as evidenced by increased mucosal lesion area, mucosal myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) levels. Six days after the application of the zinc sulphate enema, the mucosal lesion area, MPO activity, PGE2 and LTB4 levels all decreased significantly. Mucosal superoxide dismutase activity remained unchanged after zinc treatments. Conclusions: Our data suggest that zinc sulphate enemas have an anti-inflammatory action on experimental colitis. © 1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd