Experimental synovitis induced by aluminium phosphate in rabbits. Comparison of the changes produced in synovial tissue and in articular cartilage by aluminium phosphate, carrageenin, calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, and natural diamond powder.

The goal of this experimental study was to examine the effect on articular tissue of tribasic aluminium phosphate (crystalline and amorphous forms) after intraarticular injection in rabbit and to compare it with that of various phlogistic compounds such as carrageenin, calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate and diamond powder, as a control. Synovium and cartilage were studied with light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive micro-analysis (EDM). Crystalline and amorphous aluminium phosphate could induce a synovitis with articular effusion in rabbits. With TEM, lysosomal inclusions of phagocytosed material were observed. Through SEM coupled with EDM, aluminium associated with phosphate was found in cellular elements.