Osmium Tetroxide in Antigen-Induced Arthritis: Failure to Inhibit Joint Destruction

Abstract

Antigen induced arthritis (AIA) was elicited in 28 adult rabbits using ovalbumin. All animals developed an intensive monarthritis manifested by local heat and swelling. Two, 7 and 21 days later, respectively, 0.3 ml of 1 per cent OsO₄ was injected into the arthritic knees of three groups of 9 rabbits. The rabbits were killed 1, 3 and 6 months later. No modifying influence on the severe to complete cartilage destruction was evident. One group of 8 rabbits received only OsO₄ and the cartilage of these animals remained intact after 6 months.

Key Words:

• antigen induced arthritis
• cartilage degeneration
• osmium tetroxide