On the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of some copper (II) complexes.

The mechanism of the antiinflammatory activity of three copper(II) complexes: tetrachlorocuprate(II) of bis(2.4.6-trimethylpyridinio), tetrachlorocuprate(II) of bis(2.4-dimethylpyridinio) and tetrachlorocuprate(II) of bis-pyridinio, has been investigated. The antiinflammatory 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. They showed also a potent inhibitory effect on the production of superoxide anions. These inhibitory effects could explain, at least in part, their antiinflammatory activity.