Prophylactic effect of highly selective COX-2 inhibition in acute monosodium urate crystal induced inflammation in the rat subcutaneous air pouch.

Objective: To examine the ability of rofecoxib prophylaxis to blunt the effect of monosodium urate (MSU) crystal inflammation induced in the rat subcutaneous air pouch.

Methods: Eight rats were used in each of 4 groups. On day one, air was injected subcutaneously to create the pouches and gavage feedings were started with placebo or 2 different doses of rofecoxib.