The Arthus reaction in guinea-pig knee joints. A test for anti-inflammatory drugs.

A reversed passive Arthus reaction was produced in guinea-pig knee joints by intravenous injection of ovalbumin and intra-articular injection of homologous anti-ovalbumin antiserum or specific IgG2 antibody. The optimum response was obtained by varying the concentration of antigen while keeping the amount of antibody constant. Joint swelling, leucocyte infiltration in the synovial fluid and joint pathology were measured 4-6 hours and 24 hours after initiation of the reaction. The RPA lesions were almost completely inhibited by complement or polymorphonuclear leucocyte depletion. The effects of a range of drugs on the 4-6 hours response were investigated following intraperitoneal or oral administration. Cyproheptadine hydrochloride, Trasylol, indomethacin, aspirin, phenylbutazone, prednisolone sodium phosphate, chloroquine diphosphate, SKF36914 (gold triethyl phosphine), cyclophosphamide, ketoprofen, sudoxicam and naproxen all reduced one or more of the symptoms of inflammation. However, cyproheptadine was only active at high and probably non-specific dose levels. D(-)penicillamine hydrochloride and mepyramine maleate were inactive.