The effects of heparin and cortisone on an experimental model of pannus

The effects of heparin and cortisone were investigated in a model of experimental pannus-mediated cartilage degradation. Rat femoral head cartilages were implanted bilaterally (sc.) into female mice either non-wrapped or wrapped in cotton. Animals were treated with tap water (p.o.), heparin 1000 Units (p.o.), cortisone 2 mg/kg (s.c) and heparin-cortisone combined. After 14 days, the implants were removed and analysed for exudate volume, granulation-tissue dry weight and cartilage glycosamino-glycan (GAG) content. In the heparin-treated animals there was a significant (p less than 0.001) increase in the granulation-tissue dry weight, whilst combined treatment significantly (p less than 0.001) reduced both exudate volume and cartilage degradation. It is possible that the effects on angiogenesis may indicate novel treatment for the growth of pannus and cartilage breakdown.