Histopathological Study of Arthritic Lesions Induced by Immunization with Type II Collagen in Lewis Rats

Abstract

Lewis rats were immunized with an intradermal injection of type II collagen and autopsied 40 days later for histopathological examination of the limb joints. An increased in paw volume in the hind limbs was observed from 11 days after immunization until autopsy. The joints of the hind limbs were more frequently and more severely affected than those of the fore limbs. The tarsal joints were especially affected, with a 100% morbidity rate, and more frequently exhibited the most advanced stage of lesions.