Effects of N-acetylcysteine and dexamethasone on the antioxidant status of erythrocytes in experimental immunogenic uveitis

Abstract

Objective . To study the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and dexamethasone over the parameters of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant defence (AOD) in erythrocytes of rabbits with experimental immunogenic uveitis (EIU). Materials and methods . An experimental study was carried out on 45 rabbits. Animals with EIU were treated with placebo, NAC, dexamethasone, or a combination of NAC and dexamethasone. Parameters of lipid peroxidation (diene conjugates, triene conjugates, malondialdehyde) and AOD (catalase activity, reduced glutathione, oxidized glutathione and their ratio, superoxide dismutase) were observed in blood erythrocytes of rabits. Results . EIU in rabbits was accompanied by a significant elevation of LPO parameters and inhibition of AOD in erythrocytes. NAC significantly reduced the intensity of oxidative stress in erythrocytes, and also increased the AOP parameters, including the content of reduced glutathione. Dexamethasone led to the inhibition of the glutathione system. The combined application of NAC and dexamethasone revealed the synergism of their pharmacological action. Conclusion . EIU in rabbits is accompanied by systemic manifestations of oxidative stress. NAC has a pronounced antioxidant effect on the redox status of blood erythrocytes. Dexamethasone has an inhibitory effect on the glutathione system. The combined parenteral administration of NAC and dexamethasone revealed their combined synergistic pharmacological effect.