[Experimental polyarthritis in rabbits induced by Mycoplasma fermentans]

The time course of the distribution of M. fermentans antigen in the body of rabbits infected by a single intraperitoneal injection, as well as morphological and immunological changes occurring in the joints of the infected animals during 12 weeks of observation have been studied. M. fermentans, or its antigen, has been shown to persist mainly in immunocompetent organs and articular tissues, its localization in articular cartilage corresponding to the areas of dystrophic changes. The character of the pathological process in the joints is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in humans, which is confirmed by the results of immuno-morphological studies. The local synthesis of IgG and rheumatoid factor, the deposition of immune complexes and the presence of phagocytes in synovia have been detected.