Effect of fenclofenac on prostaglandin production in carageenin air bleb exudates in rats.

Employing a modified carrageenin air bleb technique in rats, the effect was studied of fenclofenac and standard drugs (acetylsalicylic acid, indomethacin and phenylbutazone) on prostaglandin production in inflammatory exudate. In common with the standard drugs, fenclofenac reduced exudate prostaglandin levels, being approximately equipotent with phenylbutazone in this respect. Also, an attempt was made to relate the effect of fenclofenac and standard drugs on prostaglandins to their acute anti-inflammatory activity as determined in a modified carrageenin paw oedema test in rats. Whilst acetylsalicylic acid and phenybutazone significantly inhibited oedema at doses producing 80% inhibition of prostaglandin production in air bleb exudate, fenclofenac and indomethacin did not. The overall results were considered to support the view expressed by other workers that the acute anti-inflammatory activity of acidic anti-inflammatory agents does not result solely, if at all, from inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.