Tissue culture methods for the investigation of anti-inflammatory drugs

Tissue culture methods are used increasingly in the investigation of anti-inflammatory drugs. Compared to in vivo experiments they offer the advantages of a) relative reproducibility, b) reduced cost, and c) simplified interpretation of results. Moreover, tissue culture methods can be applied without major ethical concern. The disadvantage of cell culture techniques is the need to re-check in vivo the medical relevance of all data obtained. A few applications of cell culture methods are exemplified by results obtained in our laboratory from experiments using macrophages, endothelial cells and chondrocytes.