Incidence and location of synovitis in the metatarso-phalangeal joints of the fore and hindlimbs of rabbits immunized with Escherichia coli
Goto, H.
Nihon Seikeigeka Gakkai Zasshi 62(3): 255-266
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-5325 PMID: 3292677 Document Number: 311715
Arthritis of the metatarso-phalangeal joints resembling rheumatoid arthritis was produced by immunization of rabbits with heat-killed Escherichia coli 0: 14. In all of fifteen rabbits immunized for 4 months, hyperplasia of synovial lining cells was observed: 108/240 joints, synovial edema in 15 rabbits: 126/240, lymphoid cell infiltration in 12: 110/240 and fibrinoid deposition in 15: 115/240. Inflammatory findings were induced in each of 14 rabbits immunized for 10 months, 14 rabbits: 113/224 joints, 14: 97/224, 12: 66/224, 14: 88/224 respectively. The lymphfollicle was noted in 7 joints of only one rabbit after 10 months immunization. Lymphoid cell infiltration of the perichondral synovium was observed in 13 joints of 11 rabbits after 4 month immunization and in 33 joints of 10 rabbits after 10 months immunization. The incidence of the inflammatory findings in the volar synovium was significantly higher than that in the dorsal one (p less than 0.01).