Treatment of experimental poly-D-lysine arthritis in rabbits by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds

The effect of five non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds on experimental poly-D-lysine arthritis in the rabbit knee joint have been determined. Two non-invasive methods of assessing the inflammation, measurement of swelling and temperature have been used to follow the effect of treatment. The rank order of potency for the reduction of temperature was indomethacin greater than flurbiprofen greater than diclofenac sodium greater than sulindac greater than fenclofenac. Reduction in joint temperature was shown not be be due to vasoconstrictor effect. Reduction of swelling was variable and not dose-related. The method described allows the activity of such compounds on experimental articular arthritis to be determined rapidly.