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Effect of intra-articular gentamicin sulfate on normal equine synovial membrane
Abstract:
Gentamicin sulfate (3 ml; 50 mg/ml) was administered intra-articularly into 30 normal equine radiocarpal joints after arthrocentesis. Arthrocentesis alone was performed on 10 normal radiocarpal joints. Synovial fluid evaluations and gross and microscopic examinations were performed on synovial fluid and synovial membrane of designated joints at selected daily intervals over a period of 10 days. Synovial fluid from gentamicin-injected joints had greater turbidity, higher RBC and WBC counts, and higher refractive indices than did joints not injected with gentamicin. The largest increases developed on days 1 or 2 after gentamicin injection, with mean total WBC, large mononuclear cell, small mononuclear cell, and polymorphonuclear cell counts of 23,860, 11,853, 857, and 11,150 cells/microliter, respectively. Arthrocentesis alone resulted in smaller increases in these counts. Microscopic changes seen in the synovial membrane of gentamicin-injected joints included edema, leukocytic infiltration, and loss of synovial lining cells. These inflammatory changes resolved within 7 days after gentamicin injection.
Insights
Intra-articular gentamicin sulfate in equine joints causes temporary inflammation, indicated by increased synovial fluid white blood cell counts and microscopic changes. These inflammatory effects resolve within seven days post-injection.
Area of Science:
- Equine Medicine
- Veterinary Pharmacology
- Joint Inflammation
Background:
- Intra-articular injections are common in equine joint treatments.
- Understanding the inflammatory response to specific drugs is crucial for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the inflammatory effects of intra-articular gentamicin sulfate in normal equine radiocarpal joints.
- To compare the effects of gentamicin sulfate with arthrocentesis alone.
Main Methods:
- Gentamicin sulfate was administered intra-articularly into 30 equine radiocarpal joints.
- Arthrocentesis alone was performed on 10 control joints.
- Synovial fluid and synovial membrane were analyzed daily for 10 days.
Main Results:
- Gentamicin-treated joints showed increased synovial fluid turbidity, RBC, and WBC counts.
- Peak inflammatory cell counts (WBC: 23,860/µL) occurred 1-2 days post-injection.
- Microscopic examination revealed synovial membrane edema and leukocytic infiltration, which resolved within 7 days.
Conclusions:
- Intra-articular gentamicin sulfate induces a transient inflammatory response in equine radiocarpal joints.
- The observed inflammation is more pronounced than that caused by arthrocentesis alone.
- Inflammatory changes associated with gentamicin sulfate resolve within a week.
