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Arthritis in mice due to infection with Mycoplasma pulmonis. II. Serological and histological features
Abstract:
Histological and serological data were obtained from a group of 160 mice given intravenous inoculations of 3.5 X 10(7) colony-forming units of Mycoplasma pulmonis and studied for 46 weeks. The basic pathology was that of an initial acute inflammatory response within the joint and periarticular tissues, slowly changing to a chronic inflammatory response seen predominantly in subsynovial areas with marked synovial proliferation. Occasional lymphoid follicles and plasma cells were seen in the subsynovial spaces. Titers of antibody to M. pulmonis were determined by both metabolic inhibition and indirect hemagglutination techniques. By the metabolic inhibition method, titers were highest between two and 22 weeks, and by indirect hemagglutination between four and 42 weeks. Antibodies to synovial antigens were present between nine and 26 weeks as determined by indirect hemagglunination. Serologic cross-reactions were found between M. pulmonis and normal mouse synovium in sera from infected mice and, by indirect hemagglutination, metabolic inhibition, and immunodiffusion techniques, in sera of rabbits or mice immunized with either M. pulmonis or mouse synovium.
Insights
This study investigated Mycoplasma pulmonis infection in mice, revealing chronic joint inflammation and antibody responses. Cross-reactivity between the bacteria and mouse synovium was observed, impacting serological findings.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Pathology
Background:
- Mycoplasma pulmonis is a significant respiratory pathogen in rodents.
- Arthritis is a known complication of Mycoplasma pulmonis infection.
- Understanding the host-pathogen interaction is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the histological and serological changes in mice following Mycoplasma pulmonis inoculation.
- To investigate the temporal antibody response to M. pulmonis and synovial antigens.
- To examine serological cross-reactivity between M. pulmonis and mouse synovium.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous inoculation of 160 mice with Mycoplasma pulmonis.
- Histological examination of joint and periarticular tissues over 46 weeks.
- Serological analysis using metabolic inhibition and indirect hemagglutination assays.
Main Results:
- Acute inflammatory response evolved into chronic subsynovial inflammation with synovial proliferation.
- Antibody titers to M. pulmonis peaked at different times depending on the assay.
- Antibodies to synovial antigens were detected, indicating cross-reactivity.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma pulmonis infection induces chronic arthritis in mice.
- Serological cross-reactivity between M. pulmonis and synovium complicates diagnostic interpretation.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of synovial involvement.