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Experimental arthritis in mice with Mycoplasma pulmonis
Abstract:
A Mycoplasma pulmonis strain, recovered from the arthritic joints of mice employed in the serial passage of a chemically induced tumor, was found to be arthritogenic for mice under experimental conditions. Some joint involvement occurred in all mice challenged intravenously with this strain, and M. pulmonis was recovered frequently from the enlarged joints. The arthritis was migratory, appearing first in the radiocarpal joints and later in the tibiotarsal joints. There was little evidence of a generalized mycoplasmal infection as a consequence of the experimental challenge. Histopathologically, the early stages of the infection in the joints was characterized by an inflammatory response in the synovium and periarticular tissues. Exudate in the joint space contained about equal numbers of polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells. The polyarthritis resolved slowly, but some residual joint enlargement was noted for as long as 4 months. Two other M. pulmonis strains were also observed to be arthritogenic for mice. Rats were not susceptible to M. pulmonis challenge. Characteristics of the nonsuppurative M. pulmonis arthritis in mice were compared to M. arthritidis joint infections in rats.
Insights
Mycoplasma pulmonis causes migratory arthritis in mice, affecting joints like the radiocarpal and tibiotarsal. This study details the experimental induction and characteristics of this mouse arthritis model.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Mycoplasma species are known pathogens causing various infections.
- Mycoplasma pulmonis has been isolated from mice but its arthritogenic potential requires further investigation.
- Arthritis is a significant concern in animal models and research settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the arthritogenic potential of a specific Mycoplasma pulmonis strain in mice.
- To characterize the clinical and pathological features of Mycoplasma pulmonis-induced arthritis.
- To compare Mycoplasma pulmonis arthritis in mice with Mycoplasma arthritidis arthritis in rats.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous challenge of mice with a Mycoplasma pulmonis strain.
- Monitoring for joint involvement, M. pulmonis recovery, and histopathological examination.
- Experimental challenge of rats to assess susceptibility.
Main Results:
- The Mycoplasma pulmonis strain induced migratory polyarthritis in all challenged mice.
- M. pulmonis was frequently recovered from enlarged joints, with early inflammation in synovium and periarticular tissues.
- Arthritis resolved slowly, with residual joint enlargement persisting up to 4 months; rats were not susceptible.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma pulmonis is arthritogenic in mice, causing a migratory polyarthritis.
- The induced arthritis model is characterized by synovial inflammation and can persist for months.
- This study provides insights into Mycoplasma-induced arthritis and comparative pathology between species.