Induction of erosive arthritis in mice after passive transfer of anti-type II collagen antibodies.

The passive transfer of concentrated immunoglobulins or affinity-purified anti-collagen antibodies from sera of mice with type II collagen-induced arthritis can induce erosive arthritis in recipient animals. In both cases, the incidence of arthritis was over 60% and the inflammation persisted for at least two weeks. Radiography revealed bone destruction and apposition of a newly formed material while histologic examination showed cartilage and bone degradation, accompanied with synovitis and periarthritis. Inflammatory infiltrates were composed of polymorphonuclear leucocytes and lymphocytes, and were associated with a proliferation of connective tissue cells.