RESUMO
Objective To compare the pathological and serological difference of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) models in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice transplanted with synovial tissues from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (SCID-HuRAg mice) established either by renal capsule or subcutaneous back heterotopic transplantation. Methods RA synovium and normal human cartilage were co-implanted subcutaneously into the backs or under the renal capsule of 15 SCID mice. Engrafted tissues and serum were taken at the 4th and 8th week after transplantation. Histopathology and ELISA were performed to compare their histological and serological differences with RA. Results The morbidity and taken rate were significantly increased in the subcutaneous back of the mice group than the renal capsule group. The degree of cartilage erosion as well as the titers of serum IgM type rheumatoid factor suggested no significant difference between the two groups of SCID-HuRAg model devel oped by different engraft methods. Conclusion Back subcutaneous transplantation SCID-HuRAg model can be an ideal and stable animal model for studies on the pathogenesis and biotherapy of RA.
