Tissue culture methods for the investigation of anti-inflammatory drugs

Abstract

Tissue culture methods are used increasingly in the investigation of anti-inflammatory drugs. Compared to in vivo experiments they offer the advantages of a) relative reproducibility, b) reduced cost, and c) simplified interpretation of results. Moreover, tissue culture methods can be applied without major ethical concern. The disadvantage of cell culture techniques is the need to re-check in vivo the medical relevance of all data obtained. A few applications of cell culture methods are exemplified by results obtained in our laboratory from experiments using macrophages, endothelial cells and chondrocytes.

Stereoselective cyclooxygenase inhibition in cellular models by the enantiomers of ketoprofen

“…Several cellular models have been proposed to evaluate the inhibition of prostanoid synthesis caused by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. 25 Particular interest has been focused on cells involved in inflammatory response, such as macrophages, 2627 neutrophils, ' * and endothelial cells. '' Surprisingly, in vitro potency of NSAID enantiomers has never been compared in these cells, most experiments having been confined to platelets or bovine seminal vesicles (for a recent review of in vitro data see ref.…”