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Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) as a model for calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease
Abstract:
Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease (CPDD) was recognized in 4 of 30 free-ranging rhesus macaques. By means of tissue radiography, focal radiodensities were noted in lumbar intervertebral discs, menisci, and articular cartilage. Crystal deposits were identified as calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (Ca2P2O7 X 2H2O) by means of X-ray diffraction. The pathogenesis of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate arthropathy in man remains elusive. However, with the recognition of this arthritis in a well defined population of aged nonhuman primates, a model now exists to facilitate the study of this disease.
Insights
Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease (CPDD) was found in rhesus macaques. This discovery provides a new nonhuman primate model for studying CPDD pathogenesis in humans.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Primate Research
- Crystallography
Background:
- Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease (CPDD) is a human arthropathy with unknown causes.
- CPDD involves the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in joints and cartilage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease in a population of free-ranging rhesus macaques.
- To establish a nonhuman primate model for studying CPDD pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Tissue radiography was used to detect radiodensities in joints.
- X-ray diffraction was employed to identify crystal deposits as calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (Ca2P2O7 X 2H2O).
Main Results:
- CPDD was recognized in 4 out of 30 rhesus macaques studied.
- Radiodensities indicative of crystal deposition were observed in lumbar intervertebral discs, menisci, and articular cartilage.
- X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals.
Conclusions:
- The study identified calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease in rhesus macaques.
- This finding establishes a relevant nonhuman primate model for investigating the pathogenesis of CPDD.
- Further research using this model may elucidate the mechanisms underlying CPDD in humans.