Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 25, 2026
Murine Model of Epicutaneously-Induced Immunomodulation
Published on: June 24, 2025
Inhibition of arthritis by systemic administration of endostatin in passive murine collagen induced arthritis
D Kurosaka1, K Yoshida, J Yasuda
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan. d_kurosaka@jikei.ac.jp
Objective:
To investigate the arthritis inhibiting effect of endostatin, known to have potent antiangiogenic activity, systemically given to animal models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods:
Four kinds of monoclonal anti-type II collagen antibody followed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) three days later were given to 6 week old, female Balb/c mice to induce arthritis. Three groups of mice received 0.2 mg/kg/day, 2 mg/kg/day, and 10 mg/kg/day of endostatin, respectively, whereas a control group received phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Endostatin or PBS was given for 13 days, starting before the development of arthritis. Arthritis was evaluated by arthritis scores and hind paw thicknesses. Mice were killed for histological examination on the 22nd day after the administration of monoclonal anti-type II collagen antibody.
Results:
Arthritis developed within three days after LPS administration in both the control and endostatin treatment groups. No difference in the development rate of arthritis was noted between the control and endostatin treatment groups. Arthritis scores remained significantly lower in the endostatin 10 mg/kg/day group than in the control group. Hind paw thicknesses also remained significantly smaller in the endostatin 10 mg/kg/day group than in the control group. Histopathological examination showed that synovial thickening and subchondral bone erosion improved more in the endostatin treatment groups than in the control group.
Conclusion:
The systemic administration of endostatin had an arthritis inhibiting effect in RA animal models. Endostatin inhibited, in particular, pannus formation and bone destruction.
Insights
Systemic endostatin administration effectively inhibited arthritis in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This treatment reduced arthritis scores, paw swelling, and histopathological signs of joint damage, including bone erosion.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and destruction.
- Endostatin, a potent antiangiogenic factor, has shown potential therapeutic benefits in various inflammatory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of systemically administered endostatin in mitigating arthritis development and progression in a murine model of rheumatoid arthritis.
Main Methods:
- Rheumatoid arthritis was induced in Balb/c mice using anti-type II collagen antibodies and lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
- Mice were treated with varying doses of endostatin (0.2, 2, or 10 mg/kg/day) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 13 days.
- Arthritis severity was assessed via clinical scores, hind paw thickness measurements, and histological examination.
Main Results:
- Endostatin treatment, particularly at 10 mg/kg/day, significantly reduced arthritis scores and hind paw swelling compared to the control group.
- Histopathological analysis revealed diminished synovial thickening and subchondral bone erosion in endostatin-treated mice.
- No significant difference in the initial development rate of arthritis was observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Systemic administration of endostatin demonstrates a significant arthritis-inhibiting effect in a rheumatoid arthritis animal model.
- Endostatin effectively suppressed key pathological features of RA, including pannus formation and bone destruction.
