ASSESSMENT OF TOPICAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY IN RATS WITH CANTHARIDIN-INDUCED INFLAMMATION

[摘要] Topical application of 400 .mu.g of cantharidin to rat ear caused an approximate doubling in the mean weight of uniform ear punch samples when compared to vehicle-treated controls at 72 h, and produced a maximal response at 7 days. Dexamethasone reduced the increase in weight when applied topically, but was ineffective when given s.c. or orally at the same doses. Hydrocortisone, prednisolone, triamcinolone, betamethasone, flurometholone, paramethasone acetate, fluocinolone acetonide, fluocinonide and flurandrenolide showed significant suppression of cantharidin-induced inflammation. Cholesterol, diphenhydramine, tripelennamine, chlorpheniramine, promethazine, cyproheptadine, epinephrine, phenylephrine, .alpha.-tocopherol, indomethacin and bufexamac were inactive. The procedure employed may be useful in the screening and evaluation of topical anti-inflammatory agents.