A mechanism of action for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents in calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal induced arthritis.

The acute inflammatory response to calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals follows the meeting of neutrophils and crystals. The ensuing phagocytosis leads to the generation of a glycoprotein chemotactically active for neutrophils and to the release of lysosomal enzymes. Indomethacin and phenylbutazone, at therapeutic concentrations, impaired phagocytosis of the crystals and generation of chemotactic factor activity. Colchicine had no effect upon phagocytosis but significantly impaired the appearance of chemotactic factor activity.