Histochemical investigation of adjuvant-induced arthritis.

Rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis were observed to have increased alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase (two isozymes), and ATPase activity in the radial zone of articular cartilage, at the osteochondral junction, and in the bone marrow elements. A qualitative and quantitative reduction azure A, PAS colloidal iron, alcian blud critical electrolyte concentration staining (0.4 and 0.9 M (mg Cl2) was also observed in corresponding areas. These findings suggest the degradation of the articular cartilage matrix with possible simultaneous or resultant calcification.