A sensitive method for the comparative bioassay of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory compounds in adjuvant-induced primary inflammation in the rat.

A method for the comparative bioassay of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents is presented which exploits the early inflammation induced by injection of adjuvant into the plantar surface of a hind paw of the rat. The inflammation reaches a peak on the 4th postinjection day. Daily treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents reduces paw volumes and the associated impairment of body growth with optimal improvement on the 4th postinjection day. In this model, phenylbutazone has shown significant activity at doses as low at 1.33 mg/kg/day. Statistically valid comparative assays conducted at dose levels equivalent to or below those used in human therapy yield potency ratios with relatively narrow confidence limits. Potencies relative to phenylbutazone for inhibiting primary adjuvant-induced inflammation are: aminopyrine, 0.066 (0.36-0.11)95%; aspirin, 0.087 (0.039-0.19)95%; mefenamic acid, 0.98 (0.64-1.6)95%; flufenamic acid, 13 (7.4-26)95%; meclofenamic acid, 23(16-33)95%; and indomethacin, 53 (35-82) 95%. Ancillary and sometimes quantitative information is also provided by the improvement in well being of the animals as reflected in body weight changes with treatment.