The reproduction of an improved model of rheumatoid arthritis in rats / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To reproduce a simple and practicable animal model of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)for evaluating the therapeutic effects of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist(rhIL-1Ra).Methods The animal model of RA was reproduced in Wistar rats by intradermic injection of an admixture of bovine type Ⅱcollagen and Freund's complete adjuvant on the foot pad,tail,and back of the rats and the injections were repeated 7 days later.Results Two weeks after the second injection,all the extremities were markedly swollen.The diameter of ankle joints,the level of TNF-? in serum,and the size of the paws were increased obviously.There was destruction and absorption of the bone trabeculae of distal end of the tibia.There was also necrosis and fibrosis of cartilage of the joints.The articular space was narrowed.Thus RA model was successfully reproduced in rat.Conclusion Bovine type Ⅱcollagen and Freund's complete adjuvant were a favorable agent for the reproduction of RA model in rats.