Studies on the effects of non-steroidal and disease modifying agents on cartilage soft tissue interaction in vivo.

The present study reports the effects of certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) and rheumatoid-disease-modifying drugs on a novel animal model of cartilage degradation in vivo. Air pouches were induced on the dorsal surface of rats, and femoral-head cartilage was implanted. The proteoglycan content of the implanted cartilage was then used to assess cartilage degradation. Indomethacin, D-penicillamine, levamisole and dexamethasone all have some cartilage-protective activity. These observations are discussed.