ABSTRACT
Dexketoprofene (De) NSAID was studied as a selective COX-1 inhibitor in comparison with Ketorolac (Ke), a mainly COX-1 inhibitor. De and Ke were administered to different groups of animals in a dose-dependent manner, i.e., 3-15 and 25 mgs/kg. The gastrointestinal mucosa damage was macroscopically and microscopically quantified at 24 hs, as well as leukocyte infiltration (LI) and neosinophilia. Similarly, Indomethacin (Indo) damage (COX-1-COX-2), with 25 mgs/kg. Dose was compared. On the other hand, De and Ke at inhibitory selective COX-1 dose (3 mg/kg) plus Celecoxib, selective COX-2 inhibitor, yielding no gastrointestinal damage, with decreased LI and without neutrophilia, the same as Ke (n.s.). Similarly De at higher dose (2.5 mgs/kg), produced minimal gastrointestinal lesions, showing a preferential COX-1 inhibitor behavior. Ke and Indo produced important gastrointestinal necrotic and erosive lesions with remarkable LI and neutrophilia (p < 0.001). On the other hand, COX-1 De dose plus Celecoxib produced evident gastrointestinal lesions, increased LI and neutrophilia, the same as Indo, pointing out that the gastrointestinal damage is due to COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition