Effect of Intraperitoneal Injection of Saffron on the Treatment of Experimental Endotoxin Induced Uveitis in the Rabbit.

INTRODUCTION Saffron with scientific name of "Crocus sativus" from the family "Iridaceae" is a plant without stem and root. Antioxidative and immunomodulatory effects of saffron has been demonstrated in different studies. AIM To assess the effects of saffron in the treatment on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced uveitis in the rabbit. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty healthy female New Zealand white rabbits were prepared. LPS induced uveitis was confirmed via slit lamp examination 24 hours after intravitreal injection of Salmonella typhimurium LPS endotoxin in the right eye of all rabbits. Then the animals were randomly divided into two equal groups - group 1 (controls) and group 2 (saffron). After 24 hours of intravitreal injection of LPS, 60 mg/body weight of saffron was injected intraperitoneally for Group 2. On the seventh day after intraperitoneal injection, all rabbits of both groups were euthanized with an overdose intraperitoneal injection of sodium thiopental. Immediately after euthanasia, enucleation of both groups of rabbits was done. Clinical Scoring System (CSS) and pathological severity score of uveitis was assessed for each eye. RESULTS No statistical difference in the CSS was found in days 3,5, and 7 after intraperitoneal injection of saffron. Also, Pathological Severity Score (PSS) did not show a significant difference between two groups. Additionally, the maximum PSS of both groups was very closed but the number was observed in the saffron group (20%) more than control group (10%). CONCLUSION Intraperitoneal injection of saffron was ineffective in the management of experimental uveitis. Further studies with different dosages and follow up and using other routes of administration are needed.