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Expression of CD44 in synovium of rabbits with chronic arthritis induced by immunization with Escherichia coli
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
Objective:
To investigate the expression of CD44 and its role in experimental chronic arthritis in rabbits.
Methods:
Rabbits were immunized with Escherichia coli 0:14 for short (4 mo) and long (8-10 mo) periods. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on knees, using anti-CD44 antibodies.
Results:
Lymphocyte infiltration in the synovium was found in 30.0% of rabbits after short term immunization, and the rate increased to 58.3% after longterm immunization. CD44 was present in synovial lining cells in 30.0% of rabbits after short term immunization, and it increased significantly (p < 0.05) after longterm immunization (66.7%). CD44 was also observed in lymphocytes in knee synovium after longterm immunization (25.0%).
Conclusion:
CD44 in lining cells might play a role in promoting chronic arthritis in rabbits immunized with E. coli.
