title: Effects of relaxin in a model of rat adjuvant-induced arthritis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory Animal Resources, Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, USA.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Santora
authors.forename: Cordelia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rasa
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Visco
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Steinetz
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bagnell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001169:Arthritis, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D051381:Rats; D012065:Relaxin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D012065:Relaxin