Experimental poly arthritis induced by mycoplasma fermentans in rabbits
Kagan, G.Ya; Vul'fovich Y.V.; Zil'fyan A.V.; Zheverzheeva, I.V.; Gamova, N.A.
Zhurnal Mikrobiologii Epidemiologii i Immunobiologii 3: 107-110
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0372-9311
Accession: 005425015
The time course of the distribution of M. fermentans antigen in rabbits infected by a single i.p. injection, as well as the morphological and immunological changes in the joints of the infected animals during 12 wk of observation were studied. M. fermentans or its antigen persisted mainly in immunocompetent organs and articular tissues, its localization in articular cartilage corresponding to the areas of dystrophic changes. The character of the pathological process in the joints is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in humans, which is confirmed by the results of immunomorphological studies. The local synthesis of IgG and rheumatoid factor, the deposition of immune complexes and the presence of phagocytes in synovia were detected.