Effect of Anti-inflammatory Agents on Capillary Permeability and Œdema Formation

Abstract

FOLLOWING the injection of a noxious substance such as formalin into the subcutaneous tissues of an animal an inflammatory response ensues. If the injection is made into the feet (usually of rats), the degree of inflammation can be assessed by measuring the amount of swelling produced. The inflammatory response can also be measured by assessing the penetration of an intravenously administered dye into the affected area. The dye is bound to the plasma protein and therefore the amount of coloration produced gives an indication of the leakage of plasma protein through the capillary walls. Parratt and West¹ and Northover and Subramanian² have concluded from their experimental work that œdema formation and protein leakage are closely linked. On the other hand Gözsy and Kato³ and Wilhelm⁴ have indicated that processes are independent. In examining the action of anti-inflammatory drugs we have confirmed the views of the latter workers and have found that blueing and swelling can be affected independently.