Interactions between angiotensin II and agmatine in experimental inflammation

Agmatine (decarboxylated arginine) significantly reduced the experimentally carageenan inflammatory process enhanced by Ang II in rats. Noteworthy was the strong action of agmatine, very close to that of spermine, although surpassed by that of indomethacin. In contrast, some other polyamines (spermidine, cadaverine and putrescine) had no significant reducing effects. Inhibition of polyamines synthesis by DL- -Difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) has further significantly enhanced the pro-inflammatory effects of Ang II at 6 hours. The above findings might demonstrate the involvement of agmatine synthesis (beyond other polyamines) as a reactive response to pro-inflammatory action of angiotensins.