Effects of relaxin in a model of rat adjuvant-induced arthritis.
A reduction in the incidence and severity of rheumatoid arthritis is seen in pregnant women. Relaxin, a hormone of pregnancy, has been implicated in decreased immune responsiveness. Consequently, the effects of relaxin and estradiol valerate, alone or in combination, were assessed in the development of adjuvant-induced arthritis in the rat. Combination hormone therapy reduced adjuvant-induced paw inflammation. Radiographic analysis of the tarsal joints showed that estradiol valerate plus relaxin treatment minimized soft tissue damage and bone changes when compared to vehicle-treated arthritic controls. These results indicate that relaxin may be a factor in reducing inflammation during pregnancy.
Santora
Karen
K
Laboratory Animal Resources, Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, USA.
Rasa
Cordelia
C
Visco
Denise
D
Steinetz
Bernard
B
Bagnell
Carol
C
D000818:Animals; D001169:Arthritis, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D051381:Rats; D012065:Relaxin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D012065:Relaxin