Joanne van Ryn, Gnnter Trummlitz and Michel Pairet Pages 1145 - 1161 ( 17 )
Increasing amounts of experimental and clinical data support the role of selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibition in anti-inflammatory processes and the involvement of COX-1 inhibition in the side effects. associated with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. This review will focus on the differences in the structure of the COX-1 and COX-2 molecules, particularly the active site and how they are bound by various NSAIDs to achieve COX-2 selectivity. This COX-2 selectivity will then be characterized in pharmacological assays in vitro and in animal models in vivo. Finally, clinical information available for this new class of selective inhibitors will be discussed.
, , Department of Pulmonary Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88397 Biberach/Riss.