The effects of sensitization protocols on arthritic responses in antigen-induced arthritis.

Three different immunization protocols were studied for their effect on methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA)-induced arthritis. Mice were immunized with mBSA in Freund's incomplete adjuvant containing dextran and challenged 3 weeks later with antigen in one knee. After 7-14 days a strong inflammatory reaction developed without significant erosions of articular cartilage or bone. The reaction resolved between 28 and 35 days. In contrast, mice immunized with mBSA and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) developed inflammation that was accompanied by erosive disease. However, this pathology also resolved after 28-35 days. Mice immunized with mBSA in modified CFA developed inflammation and co-incident erosive disease that persisted for 60 days. Thus, three distinct arthropathies can be evoked depending on the immunization protocol employed.