New experimental model for the primary evaluation of topical contra-inflammatory agents

Assays of steroidal and non-steroidal drugs in an experimental model of dermatitis induced in the ear of the rabbit by the application of a solution of croton oil revealed clearly differentiable inhibitory effects on the rise in skin temperature, the oedema and the increase in tissue mass due to the inflammatory process. The results obtained in this test system fairly accurately reflect the relative therapeutic potencies of known dermatocorticoids and, in conjunction with those found by other methods, afford a more exact characterization of the activity profiles of non-steroidal contra-inflammatory agents.