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Decrease in peritoneal mast cell count in rats with adjuvant arthritis. II. Inhibition by anti-inflammatory and
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|September 1, 1980
Summary
This study shows that a decrease in peritoneal mast cells in rats is a key indicator for evaluating antirheumatic drugs. Several tested drugs effectively inhibited this change and prevented arthritis development.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats is a model for studying rheumatoid arthritis.
- Mast cells and histamine levels in peritoneal fluid are altered during adjuvant disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of various antirheumatic drugs on adjuvant-induced changes in rats.
- To determine if peritoneal mast cell count can serve as a quantitative measure for drug efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Rats were injected with adjuvant and treated daily with indomethacin, flufenamic acid, phenylbutazone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, methotrexate, or 6-mercaptopurine.
- Effects on peritoneal mast cell count, histamine content, and polyarthritis development were assessed 14 days post-injection.
Main Results:
- All tested drugs significantly inhibited changes in peritoneal fluid parameters.
- Most drugs, except flufenamic acid, prevented mast cell depletion and arthritic lesions.
- 6-Mercaptopurine showed comparable efficacy when administered for 5 days versus the full study period.
Conclusions:
- Peritoneal mast cell depletion is a reliable symptom of adjuvant disease in rats.
- This mast cell decrease can be utilized for quantitative assessment of antirheumatic drug effectiveness.
