Intra-articular mucilages: behavioural and histological evaluations for a new model of articular pain

The creation of a new valid preclinical model of articular pain by the intra-articular (i.a.) injection of mucilages for the screening of new treatments against arthritis.

A single intra-articular injection (20 μl) of mucilages (from Althaea officinalis roots and Linum usitatissimun seeds) or vegetal components (Amorphophallus konjac gum powder and β-glucan, used as reference standard) were assessed in the rat. The pathology progression was monitored by behavioural measurements (paw pressure test, von Frey test, incapacitance test and beam balance test) and compared to that induced by the i.a. injections of monoiodioacetate (MIA) and Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA), well-recognized models of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, respectively.

Among all, the mucilage of L. usitatissimun showed the best pro-algic profile inducing a painful long-lasting condition. Hypersensitivity was characterized as a mixed form of inflammatory and neuropathic pain by the responsiveness to ibuprofen (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and pregabalin (30 mg/kg, p.o.). The histological evaluation of joint showed a damage that represents both MIA and CFA features.

In conclusion, a single i.a. injection of L. usitatissimun mucilage can represent a valid model to assess articular pain in the rat for the screening of new treatments against arthritis.