Effect of piroxicam on structure and function of joint cartilage

In vitro experiments were performed on isolated articular chondrocytes under the influence of piroxicam. It was demonstrated that this non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent affected neither cell proliferation nor the incorporation of 35SO4 into matrix macromolecules. Dogs were treated with piroxicam for 8 weeks. Morphological studies were performed on the tissues of the knee joints. Macroscopic and light microscopic investigations revealed no structural differences between the tissues (synovial membrane and articular cartilage) of control and treated dogs. Even at the ultrastructural level no alterations in the cartilage were observed. The capacity of chondrocytes to incorporate 35SO4 under in vitro conditions was identical in control and experimental animals. It is concluded that piroxicam has no adverse effect on chondrocytes under in vitro conditions or on articular cartilage structure in the in vivo model.