Actions of BW540C in an equine model of acute inflammation: A preliminary study

Abstract

SUMMARY An equine model of acute non-immune inflammation has been developed to facilitate studies of the inflammatory process and the actions of novel anti-inflammatory drugs.Five polyester sponge strips soaked in sterile 2% carrageenin solution were placed in subcutaneous pouches prepared under local anaesthesia in the necks of conscious ponies. Serial removal of the strips and harvesting of the exudate enabled studies to be made of the cellular, biochemical and mediator aspects of the localised, acute inflammation, and the heat generated by the lesion was monitored by infra-red thermometry. Maximal concentrations of the eicosanoids 6-keto-prostaglandin F,a, thromboxane B2 and leukotriene B, occurred at 9 h, whereas leukocyte numbers, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and total protein concentrations were greatest at 24 h. Lesional skin temperature was increased by approximately 4°C throughout the 24 h period. The novel anti-inflammatory agent BW540C, administered orally at a dose-rate of 20 mg/kg, did not affect leukocyte infiltration or the concentrations of protein, LDH and eicosanoids in exudate but serum thromboxane B2 levels were reduced. Skin temperature rises were greater in drug-treated animals.It is concluded that higher doses of BW540C will be required for a clinically useful antiinflammatory action in horses.

Development and validation of a tissue cage model of acute inflammation in the cat

“…(1984) described models in which the granulation tissue grown in equine TC was stimulated by carrageenan to produce a mild inflammatory response. These workers monitored the time course of local skin temperature change, cellular inflammation and the synthesis of inflammatory mediators of the prostanoid group, such as PGE 2 and PGI 2 (Higgins et al. , 1987).…”