Evaluation of clopidogrel on acute and sub-acute models of inflammation in male Wistar rats

Background: Atherosclerosis and its complications remain the major cause of death and premature disability. Atherogenesis involves elements of inflammation, a process that now provides a unifying theme in the pathogenesis of the disease. Anti-platelet drugs are currently used in the treatment of atherosclerosis and its complications. Our study evaluated the influence of clopidogrel on acute and sub-acute models of inflammation in male Wistar rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats (150-200 g) were divided into three groups, i.e. control, aspirin and clopidogrel (n=6 animals in each group). The effect of clopidogrel administered orally on inflammation was studied using acute (carrageenan-induced rat paw edema) and sub-acute (cotton pellet granuloma and histopathological examination of grass piths) models. Experiment was conducted according to the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision on Experiments on Animals guidelines. Analysis was done using one-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc test of Dunnets. p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Clopidogrel showed significant inhibition of rat paw edema in acute model (p<0.01) and granuloma dry weight, in sub-acute model of inflammation when compared to control (p<0.01). Histopathological examination of grass pith revealed markedly reduced fibroblasts, granulation tissue, fibrous tissue and collagen in clopidogrel group when compared to control. Conclusion: Clopidogrel exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory activity in acute and sub-acute models of inflammation.