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2 . 2022
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Experimental model of antigen-collagen induced arthritis in mice

Abstract

Introduction. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases with a complex pathogenesis. To develop and test new methods and approaches in RA therapy (biological preparations, cell technologies), an experimental model with similar pathogenetic reactions and immunological changes is needed. One such approach is the development of models of combined antigen-collagen-induced arthritis.

The aim of the study is to show the immunological and histological changes similar to RA in the antigen-collagen induced arthritis (AIA/CIA) model and the validity of its application in research activities and for the development of new therapeutic approaches.

Material and methods. Experimental AIA/CIA was induced according to 3 different protocols in 60 Balb/c mice. Arthritis was assessed visually by measuring paw swelling with a caliper at different times. The assessment of immunological changes included the analysis of the content of antibodies to type II collagen by ELISA, the content of T-regulatory cells by flow cytometry. In addition, a histological examination of the tissues of the joints was carried out, followed by an analysis of the data obtained.

Results. On the 10th day, a significant increase in the thickness of the paws was recorded in animals using the induction of experimental arthritis with different protocols. The intensity of swelling subsided by the 23rd day. A significant increase in the content of antibodies to type II collagen was observed in all experimental groups, but in animals on Protocol No. 1, the level of antibodies to type II collagen was significantly higher. A high level of T-regulatory cells was registered only in mice on Protocol No. 1 on the 10th day. Histological changes in the form of synovial hyperplasia, pannus, usurations were observed to varying degrees in all experimental groups, but the most pronounced changes were in animals on Protocol No. 1.

Conclusion. In experimental animals, in all the presented protocols, changes were observed that were closest to RA, when compared with classical models of experimental arthritis induction. Based on the fact that protocol 1 animals showed an increase in the content of T-regulatory cells, the levels of antibodies to type II collagen were consistently high, and histological changes were the most pronounced, it can be assumed that Protocol No. 1 of the combined AIA/CIA model on the Balb/c mice line is the most suitable for testing and developing of new methods for RA therapy.

Keywords:rheumatoid arthritis; arthritis model; experimental arthritis; collagen antigen-induced arthritis

For citation: Fisher M.S., Kurilin V.V., Tereshchenko V.P., Bulygin A.S., Kuznetsova M.S., Ivleva E.K., Sennikov S.V. Experimental model of antigen-collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Immunology. 2022; 43 (2): 157–65. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33029/0206-4952-2022-43-2-157-165 (in Russian)

Funding. The study had no sponsor support.

Conflict of interests. The authors declare no conflict of interests.

Authors’ contributions. The concept and design of the study – Kurilin V.V., Fisher M.S., Sennikov S.V.; collection and processing of material – Fisher M.S., Kurilin V.V., Bulygin A.S., Ivleva E.K.; statistical processing – Fisher M.S., Tereshchenko V.P., Kuznetsova M.S.; text writing – Fisher M.S.; text edition – Sennikov S.V., Tereshchenko V.P.

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