Abstract: When oleanolic acid (OA) was administered ig before and after sensitization on d 1 to d 5 and d 11 to d 17, it had no apparent effect on Arthus reaction. When it was administered at 48, 24 and 1 h before challenge, however, Arthus reaction was significantly inhibited. OA showed markedly suppressive effects on reversible passive Arthus reaction and leukocyte migratory response. It could significantly stabilize erythrocyte membrane, inhibit the swelling of the rat's hind paw induced by injecting mycostatin, reduce the acid phosphatase content in the inflammatory exudate, suppress the synthesis or release of PGE, histamine, LTB4 and kinin, and the phlogistic action of PGE2, histamine, 5-HT and kinin. In addition, it could decrease the content of malonyldialdehyde (MDA) in hepatic tissue of alcohol-intoxicated mice, and increase the activity of catalase (CAT) in hepatic tissue of mice. OA had no apparent effect on the activity of super-oxide dismutase (SOD) in rat serum, on the content of immune complex in serum of rat with Arthus reaction, on the phagocytosis of monocytc-macrophage system, on the clearance of enzyme-containing immune complex by macrophage, or on the activity of total complement.

Key words: Oleanolic acid, Immune complex allergic reaction, Anti-immune complex allergic reaction, Inflammation, Anti-inflammation