Avaliação das características morfológicas do baço em um modelo murino de inflamação induzida por zymosan e o efeito do óleo destilado de copaíba (Copaifera spp. - leguminosae-caesalpinoideae)

Abstract

The spleen is the largest secondary lymphoid organ and plays an important role in blood filtration and the regulation of immune responses. Little is known about the splenic microstructure in animals induced to develop arthritis. This information is important when thinking about associating an oral herbal treatment based on copaiba oil (Copaifera multijuga Hayne). This substance has anti-inflammatory compounds in its constitution with anti-edematogenic effects, however there are no studies evaluating the action of copaiba in the spleen. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate by stereology the structure of the spleen of mice of the Black-C57BL/6 lineage (n=15) induced to develop inflammation by zymosan and orally treated with copaiba oil. The animals were divided into three groups: Salina, Zy and Zy/Cop; all received intra-articular inoculations (tarsal tibia) of the respective solutions. Copaiba was supplied by gavage. The animals were followed for 23 days. At the end, the spleens were removed and histologically processed and oriented according to the norms of modern stereology. The volume of the spleen was determined by point counting and by fluid displacement, the volume of internal components by point counting in relation to the reference space, the immune cells (plasma cells, lymphocytes and macrophages) were estimated by the Optical Disector. Zy causes a systemic effect primarily affecting the white pulp and immune cell profile. Zy/Cop resulted in increased red pulp, reduced white pulp, increased plasma cells and macrophages. In conclusion, zymosan induction of inflammation affects splenic organization and immune cell profile. Oral use of copaiba did not prevent these changes and, to some extent, may have impaired blood filtration and immune responses to antigens.