Modulation of extracellular matrix metabolism in rabbit articular chondrocytes and human rheumatoid synovial cells by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug etodolac. II: Glycosaminoglycan synthesis.

The effect of Etodolac on glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis by human synovial cells and rabbit articular chondrocytes in culture was studied at doses ranging from 0.01 to 10 micrograms/ml. In chondrocyte cultures, short-term exposure to Etodolac decreased the total amount of GAGs (mainly chondroitin sulfate) affecting essentially the cell layer-associated fraction. When cells were incubated with Interleukin-1 (IL-1), Etodolac still exerted its inhibiting effect on GAG synthesis. Long-term exposure of chondrocytes to Etodolac caused a diminution of the total GAG synthesis for the highest concentration studied (1 micrograms/ml). IL-1 alone or in combination with Etodolac decreased the synthesis of GAGs suggesting that pretreatment with Etodolac cannot prevent the action of IL-1. In synoviocyte cultures, the drug caused an inhibition of the GAG biosynthesis (mainly hyaluronic acid). In presence of IL-1, Etodolac at the highest concentration partially diminished the stimulatory effect of IL-1. A 8-day exposure of the cells to Etodolac led to a decrease of GAG synthesis. In the same experiment, IL-1 alone caused a slight increase of GAG production that was not abolished by Etodolac treatment.