Using rat paw dextran-induced and carrageenan-induced edemas,the antiedematous activites of monohydrate of the diaquatetrakis(o -cresotato)dicopper(II)complex (Cu o C)and the diaquabis(o-cresotato)zinc(II)complex (Zn o C)were assayed plethysmometrically.Dihydrate of the diaquabis(salicylato)copper(II)complex (CuS)and the diaquabis(salicylato)zinc(II)complex (ZnS)were used as the standards of comparison.All compounds were administered i.p.in a single dose of 50 µmol/kg body weight (calculated for the RCOO-fragment)30 min before injecting the irritants.The antidextran/anticarrageenan activities of the species (expressed as a mean edema reduction)were found: Cu o C 36/54 %–Zn o C 59/65 %–CuS 71/52 %–ZnS 63/10 %.The relationships between the coordination-chemical properties and the biological effects of the corresponding complexes are discussed.

        Key words: copper(II)and zinc(II)o -cresotates – rat paw dextran--induced and carrageenan-induced edemas – anti--inflammatory activity