Comparison of the anti-inflammatory effects of topically applied aspirin and indomethacin following photocoagulation of the rabbit iris.

1. A comparative study of the inhibitory action of topically applied indomethacin and aspirin (1% (w/v) 2 h before and immediately after trauma, totaling 4 mg each) on myosis, increase in intraocular pressure and breakdown of the blood aqueous barrier was performed. 2. Argon laser photocoagulation on the anterior surface of the left iris of pigmented rabbits, totaling 2,250 mJ, was used as traumatic stimulus. The untraumatized eye was used as a reference for measurements. 3. Four groups of 10 animals each (control, photocoagulated, photocoagulated plus indomethacin and photocoagulated plus aspirin) were studied. 4. Both drugs similarly inhibited the increase in the total protein concentration in aqueous humor and in intraocular pressure at 10, 20 and 40 min. Only aspirin showed some inhibitory action on the pupillary response 10 min after photocoagulation.