Effects of anti-inflammatory drugs on rat paw oedema and leukocyte migration

High doses of cyclooxygenase inhibitors (e.g. indomethacin) reduce the leukocyte accumulation in the carrageenin soaked sponges. They are, however, inactive in bradykinin-induced oedema and in the reversed passive Arthus reaction (RPA). A potent cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitor, BW 755C, was equally active in the bradykinin-induced oedema, leukocyte migration and in the RPA. Consequently these methods may help to differentiate anti-inflammatory drugs which act via cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase pathways in vivo.