Comparison of the effects of alclofenac, flurbiprofen, and prednisolone on acute inflammatory response in the rat.

The fluid and cellular phases of the inflammatory response were measured using a technique employing subcutaneous implantation of polyurethane foam cubes impregnated with heat-killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Fluribiprofen and prednisolone were equipotent and were capable of almost completely suppressing fluid and cellular responses, while alclofenac was less potent at nontoxic dose levels. Study of the patterns of cellular exudation by image analysing computer showed that alcofenac appears unique in that it produces a well-defined cell-free zone between the edge of the implanted cubes and a band of neutrophil polymorphs within the cubes.