A comparison of the disease-modifying and cytokine-regulating activities of tenidap, piroxicam and cyclosporin-A using the adjuvant-induced model of arthritis in rats

Abstract

This study compared the antiarthritic activity of tenidap, piroxicam and cyclosporin-A (CsA) using the model of adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. The aim of the study was to correlate any disease-modifying effects of tenidap with its in-vivo regulation of cytokines. Both tenidap and piroxicam reduced arthritic disease when administered orally from the time the first signs of arthritis are expressed. Disease suppression correlated with a significant reduction in interleukin-6 production and a slight reduction in interleukin-1 and tumour necrosis factor production. When coadministered with the adjuvant, tenidap and CsA prevented disease in 50% and 100% of animals, respectively, whereas piroxicam had no effect. This disease prevention induced by tenidap and CsA coincided with reduced interferon-γ and interleukin-2 production by lymph node cells one day following initiation of adjuvant disease. This inhibition of T-cell cytokines might be consistent with tenidap acting as a disease-modifying drug.