Inhibition of arachidonic acid-induced ear oedema as a model for assessing topical anti-inflammatory compounds

We have found that mouse ear oedema induced by the topical application of arachidonic acid is not a specific screen for compounds inhibiting the lipoxygenase or cyclo-oxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism. Although such compounds are able to reduce the oedema substantially, pharmacological agents such as histamine antagonists, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, free radical scavengers, and also various compounds not normally considered to...