Inhibition of inflammation and gastric damage in rats by copper (II) complexes.

Anti-inflammatory activity and the effect on gastric damage of some copper(II) complexes has been investigated. In a preliminary screening the compounds were studied on the carrageenin paw edema model and two complexes showed inhibitory action on acute as well as subacute models of inflammation. This activity does not seem to be related to an inhibitory effect on prostaglandin biosynthesis or with leukocyte migration into inflamed tissue. These complexes showed an inhibitory effect on volume exudate in experimental pleurisy and on the production of superoxide anions. These inhibitory effects could explain, at least in part, their anti-inflammatory activity. Also, these complexes protected gastric mucosa against the damage induced by HCl and by oral administration of indometacin.