Expression of CD44 in synovium of rabbits with chronic arthritis induced by immunization with Escherichia coli.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of CD44 and its role in experimental chronic arthritis in rabbits.


METHODS
Rabbits were immunized with Escherichia coli 0:14 for short (4 mo) and long (8-10 mo) periods. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on knees, using anti-CD44 antibodies.


RESULTS
Lymphocyte infiltration in the synovium was found in 30.0% of rabbits after short term immunization, and the rate increased to 58.3% after longterm immunization. CD44 was present in synovial lining cells in 30.0% of rabbits after short term immunization, and it increased significantly (p < 0.05) after longterm immunization (66.7%). CD44 was also observed in lymphocytes in knee synovium after longterm immunization (25.0%).


CONCLUSIONS
CD44 in lining cells might play a role in promoting chronic arthritis in rabbits immunized with E. coli.
Takagi
T
T
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
Okamoto
R
R
Sakai
N
N
Goto
H
H
Noyori
K
K
Koshino
T
T
D000818:Animals; D001169:Arthritis, Experimental / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000276:immunology / Q000472:pathogenicity; D005260:Female; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000473:pathology; D007114:Immunization; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D011817:Rabbits; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000097:blood; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor