[Modification of a rheumatoid model disease using a benzopyron preparation].

The influence of a benzopyrone-preparation on the process of an experimental erysipelas in the rat, an animal model for the human rheumatoid arthritis, was studied. By plethysomometric determination of the paw volume it was shown that the swelling of the paw was significantly smaller in the benzopyrone-group than in the control-group. Furthermore it was observed that the administration of benzopyrones significantly reduced cornea-oedemas, a characteristic of the erysipelas model. The reduction of body weight, occurring during erysipelas disease, is not significantly improved by benzopyrone administration. The mortality, which is much smaller in the benzopyrone-group (30%) than in the matened control group (60%), demonstrates the good tolerance of the drug. The revealed results are described and the influence of benzopyrones on this rheumatoid disease is discussed.