ACUTE AUTO-IMMUNE COLLAGEN-INDUCED ARTHRITIS IN RABBITS

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 37  (9-10) , 275-285
Abstract
Three groups of rabbits were investigated. Nine rabbits, immunized with rabbit collagen type I, received 1 intraarticular injection of antigen in the right knee, and control preparations in the left knee (group I). Four rabbits, immunized with calf collagen type I [group II] received the same intraarticular injections as in group I. Two non-immunized rabbits received the same intraarticular injections. Synovial fluid and synovium were obtained in all groups 18 h after intraarticular injection. Knee-joints of all animals immunized and challenged intraarticularly with rabbit collagen showed strong cellular exudation (mean 1.800 .times. 103 cells) in contrast to control joints (mean 21-484 .times. 103 cell). Histologic investigation of synovium of group I animals showed, in rabbit collagen injected knees, vascular reactions with enlargement of small vessels, thikening of endothelial cells, perivascular infiltration and aggregation of polymorphonuclear [leukocytes] in the lumen of vessels. Intraarticular injection of rabbit collagen in calf collagen-immunized rabbits induced a limited cellular exudation, (mean 670 .times. 103 cells) which was lower than in rabbit collagen-immunized animals but more pronounced than in control joints. Results after intraarticular injection of rabbit collagen in rabbit collagen-immunized animals were interpreted as early signs of autoimmune arthritis. Results after intraarticular injection of rabbit collagen in calf collagen immunized animals were milder symptoms of synovitis induced by cross-reactivity of antigens.