Comparison of the effects of ketoprofen and flunixin meglumine on the in vitro response of equine peripheral blood monocytes to bacterial endotoxin.

This research investigates the effects of two drugs, flunixin meglumine and ketoprofen, on the immune response of horse blood cells. The study found no significant differences in the influence of both drugs on the production of different compounds involved in inflammation and blood clotting.

Study Design and Methodology

• This study was designed to investigate the in vitro (outside the body) effects of two drugs, ketoprofen and flunixin meglumine, on equine blood cells.
• Ketoprofen is recognized as a cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitor, while flunixin meglumine is known as a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor. Both drugs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• The research involved six adult horses, which were each administered ketoprofen and flunixin meglumine separately, with each treatment separated by two weeks.
• Blood samples were taken from the horses before treatment, on the last day of treatment, and on two consecutive days after the end of treatment. The blood samples were used for the isolation of peripheral blood monocytes (a type of immune cell) and for measuring serum thromboxane B2 levels.

Investigated Parameters

• The research focused on the effects of the drugs on the synthesis of various immune and inflammatory factors, including thromboxane B2, prostaglandin E2, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, tumor necrosis factor, and tissue factor.
• The synthesis of these compounds was measured in vitro under unstimulated conditions, and in response to bacterial endotoxin and calcium ionophore stimulation.

Findings and Conclusion

• The results showed that both flunixin meglumine and ketoprofen significantly decreased serum concentrations of thromboxane B2, indicating their in vivo (within the animal’s body) cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory effect.
• However, the study found no significant differences in the in vitro production of thromboxane B2, prostaglandin E2, 12-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid, tumor necrosis factor or tissue factor between ketoprofen and flunixin meglumine treatment groups.
• Thus, the researchers concluded that the effects of flunixin meglumine and ketoprofen are largely similar according to the parameters investigated in this study.