Pathogenesis of Lactobacillus casei-induced polyarthritis in Lewis rats: 2. Time related changes in organ weights and liver enzymes.

Hepatic enzymes and organ weights were measured in LEW/N female rats during the acute and the chronic phases of L. casei-induced arthritis on day 3 and days 30 and 59, respectively. In the acute phase, day 3, adrenal and spleen weights were increased and thymus weights were decreased in L. casei arthritic rats as compared to normal control rats. Adrenal, liver, kidney, spleen and thymus weights of arthritic rats were in the normal range on days 30 and 59. Liver cytochrome P450, aminopyrine N-demethylase and analine hydroxylase were reduced in livers of L. casei-treated rats on day 3 as compared to normal controls. On days 30 and 59 hepatic enzymes in L. casei-arthritic rats were in the normal range. Unlike adjuvant arthritis in which changes in liver enzymes alter drug metabolism; after the acute onset of L. casei-induced arthritis, hepatic enzymes return to the normal range.