[Prophylactic and therapeutic application of anti-inflammatory agents on the test method of carrageenin paw edema in the rat (author's transl)].

A number of anti-inflammatory substances and cyclophosphamide were tested for their anti-inflammatory activity on a modified carrageenin-tragacanth-induced oedema of the rat paw. The oral application of the substances occurred before or simultaneously with the induction of the inflammation (prophylactic) as well as 2, 6 and 24 h post-irritation (therapeutic). The paw volume was measured plethysmometrically after application of the substances at 3 and 5 h, respectively (short-term test) and 24 and 25 h, respectively (long-term test). Acetylsalicylic acid and phenylbutazone showed a good anti-inflammatory activity specially in the short-term test when given prophylactically. In contrast, flufenamic acid and indomethacin up to 6 h post-application showed both prophylactic and therapeutic activity in both short- and long-term test. The steroidal compound prednisolone was effective when used therapeutically in short-term test up to 24 h post-application as well as in long-term test up to 6 h post-application. Azapropazone and cyclophosphamide were ineffective, among other factors, because of too low a dosage.