Nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of immunologic iridocyclitis in the rabbit.

Effectiveness of selected nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs was studied on an immunologic model of uveitis. Intensity of inflammatory reactions was assessed on the basis of biochemical parameters (Levels of protein, seromucoid, sialic acid and hydrolytic activity of the aqueous humor) and morphologic criteria pertaining to the anterior eye chamber. All drugs studied diminished intensity of inflammation as judged by biochemical tests, as well as morphologic changes observed with the biomicroscope. Closest correlation was found between hyperemia of the iris, numbers of cells and fibrin in the anterior eye chamber on the one hand, and values of protein and sialic acid in the aqueous humor. Levels of seromucoid and hydrolytic activity were less clearly related to the changes observed with the biomicroscope. Sodium salicylate showed the weakest action, and ibuprofen and oxyphenbutazone were somewhat more effective. However, indometacin showed strongest anti-inflammatory activity.