Abstract
Polysaccharide fractions TG‐1 and TG‐2 were isolated from the fruit bodies of Trametes gibbosa (Pers.: Fr.) Fr.(Polyporaceae). Both fractions are glucans with trace amounts of other sugars. The polysaccharide fractions administered to rats intravenously, strongly inhibited vessel permeability in the rat pleural exudate model, induced by carragenan, but did not influence its density. Both polysaccharide fractions decreased considerably the total protein level in the pleural effusion. Fractions TG‐1 and TG‐2 antagonized effectively the inflammation mediator complex induced by carragenan and they neutralized the pharmacological effects with respect to small vessel permeability. At the same time they increased the number of neutrophils and eosinophils and decreased the number of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. The pharmacological activity of polysaccharide fractions TG‐1 and TG‐2 confirms their function as potential factors responsible for the stabilization of a wall vessel, especially in pathological conditions leading to endothelial damage.