OBJECTIVETo study the antalgic and antiphlogistic functions and mechanism of ronggudingtong (RGDT) plaster (traditional Chinese medicine).

METHODSThe painful models were established with hot plate test or acetic acid writhing and the inflammatory models were established with daubing dimethylbenzene on auricle or injecting formaldehyde in toe or synovial envelope to study the antalgic and antiphlogistic functions of RGDT Plaster. The total protein and leukotriene B4(LTB4) in inflammatory exudate were detected to investigate the antalgic and antiphlogistic mechanism of RGDT plaster. The mice were randomly divided into different groups (n = 11), on the basis of drug using, the indexes of pain threshold, swelling degree were observed. Sixty-six mice were used to establish gasbag synovitis model and randomly divided into normal control group,model control group, positive control group (Voltaren gel 0.8 mg/d)and low/medium/high dosage RGDT plaster treating groups(30 mg/d, 60 mg/d, 120 mg/d).

RESULTS30 mg/d, 60 mg/d,120 mg/d RGDT plaster could upgrade the pain thresholds, remit auricular and foot swelling (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and degrade total protein and LTB4 in inflammatory exudates (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONRGDT plaster has some antalgic and antiphlogistic functions, and one of the mechanisms is depressing synthesis of LTB4.

Analgesics ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; pharmacology ; Leukotriene B4 ; metabolism ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Mice ; Pain ; drug therapy