Establishment and ultrasonic evaluation of hemophilic arthritis animal models / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective:To establish rabbit models of hemophilic arthritis (HA) through injecting blood and iron dextran into articular cavity, and to monitor the changes of joint structures and evaluate the effect of modeling with ultrasound. Methods: A total of 25 New Zealand white rabbits were divided into Group A, B (each n=5) and C (n=15). In group A and group B, 1 ml rabbit arterial blood was injected into the articular cavity with a total of 36 times (3 times a week) in group A and 24 times (twice a week) in group B. In group C, 1 ml of iron dextran was injected into the articular cavity of rabbits, and then the rabbits were averagely divided into 4 weeks group (C1 group), 8 weeks group (C2 group) and 12 weeks group (C3 group). The changes of synovium and cartilage of the articular cavity were observed with ultrasound. Pathological examination was performed after modeling, and the pathological changes of articular cartilage and synovium were observed. Results: After modeling, the synovium in group A ([4.46±0.47]mm) and C ([4.08±0.44]mm) measured with ultrasound were both thicker than in group B ([2.43±0.39]mm, both P<0.05). In group A and B, the thickness and the grade of blood flow signal of synovial membrane increased gradually during modeling. In group C, the thickness and blood flow signal of synovial membrane increased gradually in the early stage of modeling but gradually thinned or weakened. At the end of modeling, damage of articular cartilage could be observed with ultrasound in group A and C. Synovial hyperplasia, infiltration of inflammatory cells and destruction of cartilage similar to HA were observed in each group under light microscope. The pathological changes in groups A and C1 were more significant than those in other groups. Conclusion: Rabbit models of HA could be established through injecting blood or iron dextran into the articular cavity, both could reflect the characteristic manifestations of HA via symptoms, ultrasonic and pathological features. Iron induced arthritis models had advantages of short modeling period, simple operation and easy to be monitored with ultrasound.