Influence of rofecoxib, a high selective cox-2 inhibitor,on articular cartilage of rats / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

ABSTRACT

AIM: To observe the influence of rofecoxib, a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug, administrated for a long term on the knee joints cartilage of rats. METHODS: An experimental model of osteoarthritis of left knee in the early stage was induced by cutting achilles tendon in rats, the right knee providing a control. The rats of one group were given rofecoxib orally, and the rats in another group were given saline as a control. After 100 days, the histopathology, ultrastructure, and histochemistry changes on the knee joints cartilage were monitored. RESULTS and CONCLUSION: Rofecoxib, administrated for 100 days, had no harmful influence on chondrocyte and collagen, and could increase proteoglycan of cartilage in some degree in rats.