Open AccessInduction of experimental allergic arthritis with outer surface proteins of borrelia burgdorferi
Author(s) -
Gondolf Klaus B.,
Mihatsch Michael,
Curschellas Enrico,
Dunn John J.,
Batsford Steven R.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780370713
Subject(s) - borrelia burgdorferi , lyme disease , arthritis , immunology , antigen , inflammation , spirochaetaceae , borrelia , medicine , histology , microbiology and biotechnology , pathology , biology , antibody
Objective . The arthritogenic potential of the cationic outer surface proteins (Osp) from Borrelia burgdorferi was tested in rats. Methods . Water‐soluble Osps were prepared by butanol extraction and were administered by intraarticular injection. Tissue injury was assessed by scintigraphy and histology. Results . A mild arthritis was seen in naive rats. Preimmunized animals had more severe, longer lasting bouts of inflammation. Conclusion . The Osps of Borrelia burgdorferi are potent arthritogens in rats. These immunodominant antigens may play a role in the development of Lyme arthritis in humans.