A new model of osteoarthritis in rabbits

Abstract

A battery of steroidal and nonsteroidal antirheumatic drugs and protease inhibitors were tested by intraarticular injection for effects on osteoarthritis of the knees of rabbits subjected to partial lateral meniscectomy and section of the sesamoid and collateral fibular ligaments. Among the standard drugs, only the glucocorticoid, triamcinolone hexacetonide, and the protease inhibitor, tranexamic acid, exhibited significant anti-osteoarthritic activity. An experimental drug, GPA 2163, also offered some protection against joint degeneration. The nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs had no effect on the development of osteoarthritis in the model.