Infliximab in experimental alkali burns of the oesophagus in the rat

Backgrounds : We aimed to investigate the efficacy of inflix- imab, a chimeric TNF-a antibody, in the prevention of fibrosis in an experimental alkaline burn of the oesophagus in the rat. Methods: Thirty-two Wistar albino rats divided into four experimental groups. Caustic oesophageal burn was induced by applying 37.5% NaOH to the distal oesophagus. Infliximab was given at a dose of 5 mg/kg via the intraperitoneal route. Group A (sham) animals were uninjured, group B had untreated oesophageal burns, group C had oesophageal burns treated with a single dose of infliximab on the first day, and Group D had oesophageal burns treated with infliximab on the first and 14th days. Efficacy of the treatment was assessed on the 28th-day by measuring stenosis index of the oesophagus and histopathological damage score, and biochemically by determining tissue hydrox- yproline content. Results : There was no significant difference between the Group B and the infliximab treated Groups C and D in means of tissue hydroxyproline content and histopathological damage scores. Stenosis index was not significantly different between the Group B, Group C, and Group D. Conclusion : Anti-TNF-a treatment with infliximab does not ameliorate the degree of fibrosis in alkali burns of the oesophagus in the rat. Further evaluation of inflammatory and immunological events leading to stricture in alkaline oesophageal burns may pro- vide new perspectives for the treatment of alkaline oesophageal burns. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2008, 71, 21-26).