Use of the rat air pouch model of inflammation to evaluate regional drug delivery.

We have used the rat inflammatory air pouch model to investigate some of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic issues relating to regional drug delivery. S(+)Ibuprofen was administered either intravenously or directly into the air pouch at the same time as the irritant (carrageenan). Serial samples of exudate and plasma were then taken and assayed for drug concentrations and various efficacy markers. Ibuprofen given intrapouch, was found to inhibit in a dose-dependent manner the concentration of prostaglandin E2 and the number of white cells in the exudate. Plasma and pouch concentration-time profiles are described for s(+)Ibuprofen: there is evidence for greater drug retention in the pouch than in plasma following regional and systemic delivery.