[The effect of steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents on the ultrastructure of chondrocytes in the rat. Electron microscope and morphometric study].

In order to obtain indications regarding the different influences of antiinflammatory drugs on the articular cartilage, the effects of a steroidal drug (dexamethasone) and of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory substances (indometacin and phenylbutazone) on the ultrastructure of the chondrocyte were examined in comparison with tiaprofenic acid (Surgam). Using an equiefficient dosage of the active principles, referred to the ED50 in the model of adjuvant arthritis in the rat, the synthetic apparatus of the chondrocytes was stimulated by tiaprofenic acid while it was diminished by indometacin and phenylbutazone and particularly by dexamethasone.