A comparison of the anti-inflammatory effects of copper aspirinate and other copper salts in the rat and guinea pig.

A comparison of the anti-inflammatory (AI) activity of copper compounds in models of kaolin-induced paw oedema and u.v. erythema in the rat and guinea pig is described. The results demonstrated considerable species variation, the guinea pig being more sensitive to the AI and irritant effects of copper aspirinate and the other copper compounds. The route of administration of these compounds was also an important factor in interpreting AI activity obtained. Indeed, the counter-irritation effects of the copper compounds may be largely responsible for the AI activity obtained after subcutaneous administration. The comparison between copper aspirinate and aspirin, performed in order to determine whether a copper complex of an AI drug was more active than the parent AI compound, failed to produce a clear difference in activity although copper aspirinate was more effective than aspirin in certain cases. It is concluded that this study highlights the complexities of copper therapy against inflammatory processes and furthermore indicates the importance of species, the model of inflammation and route of drug administration in interpreting data obtained with copper containing compounds.