[Pathogenetic concept of experimental mycoplasma arthritis].

Biochemical studies of rats with mycoplasma arthritis revealed new findings in pathogenesis and pathophysiology. Mycoplasma infection which resembles rheumatoid arthritis, leads to an inhibition of the DNA-repair. We were able to proof this enzyme--kinetically and autoradiographically. We also observed for the first time the occurrence of DNA-antibodies in this type of arthritis. It is possible that there is a relation between inhibition of DNA-repair and the occurrence of DNA-antibodies. Thus mycoplasma infection seems to influence DNA-metabolism. There are interesting parallels concerning DNA-antibodies and DNA-repair between experimental mycoplasma arthritis and human systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.