Chronic Self-Perpetuating Arthritis Induced in Rabbits by a Cell-Free Extract of Group A Streptococci

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Abstract
Summary Self-perpetuating arthritis was induced in knee joints of rabbits by intraarticular injections of large amounts of cell free extract derived from group A streptococci disintegrated mechanically. The pathological alterations were characterized by synovial lining cell proliferation, polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cell infiltration with the appearance of pseudo-follicles and pannus formation. Electron microscopical proliferation of B cells was predominant. An active inflammatory exudate and numerous new capillaries were also seen. The induced arthritis was self-perpetuating and appears to resemble human rheumatoid arthritis. This research project has been supported by the Joint Research Fund of the Hebrew University— Hadassah Medical School and Dental Medicine and the Hadassah Medical Organisation.