Influence of indomethacin on experimental bone metabolism in rats

The effect of indomethacin on heterotopic and orthotopic bone formation in rats was analyzed with respect to dose and time of initiation of drug administration. Three weeks after implantation of demineralized bone matrix, the ash weight of implants from animals receiving the highest doses of indomethacin was approximately 25% lower than that of controls. The ash weight of implants was only affected in rats receiving indomethacin from the week before implantation or from the time of implantation. In a separate study, no effect on the rate of resorption measured by elimination of 3H-proline and 45Ca or on the amount of ash could be detected. Orthotopic bone remained unaffected by indomethacin treatment. The study showed that in order to inhibit experimental new bone formation, indomethacin must be present before or at the time of implantation of demineralized bone matrix.