Salvage of ischemic rabbit ear by BW-755C and steroids, but not by indomethacin.

The effects of anti-inflammatory steroids and BW-755C (both of which inhibit the formation of prostaglandins and leukotrienes) were studied in ischemia-induced edema and necrosis of the rabbit ear utilizing an occlusion reperfusion model. The results were compared with cyclooxygenase inhibitors which selectively block the synthesis of prostaglandins without affecting leukotriene production. Significant inhibition of the progression of necrosis was observed with both methyl prednisolone and BW-755C. The cyclooxygenase inhibitors, naproxen and low-dose indomethacin had no effect on the progression of ear necrosis. By contrast, high-dose indomethacin significantly inhibited edema but accelerated the progression of necrosis.