Characteristics of polyarthritis in rabbits by hyperimmunization with attenuatedEnterococcus faecalis

摘要: To produce polyarthritis and rheumatoid factor like substance (RFLS), rabbits were hyperimmunized intravenously with 0.02% thimelosal (TMS)-treated Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) as a persistent bacterial flora. Swelling of knee joints occurred at rate 41% (27/66), shoulder 25% (17/66) while that elbow 4.5% (3/66). On culturing joint fluids, no colonies appeared 2/4 fluid specimens from the gave positive for 78 days after first immunization; thereafter, appeared. histological examination, in early stages, acute inflammatory reactions degenerative changes synovial tissue was observed. In later chronic changes, proliferation cells pannus formation, destruction articular cartilage subchondral bone RFLS titer showed bi-phasic peaks 11 41 immunization. A high incidence polyarthritis, particularly joints, occurred. Thus, hyperimmunization attenuated E. normal intestinal flora may provide an animal model polyarthritis.