Histopathology of Lyme arthritis in LSH hamsters

Article Abstract:

Radiation-treated and nonirradiated hamsters with arthritis caused by Lyme disease were compared. Nonirradiated hamsters injected with the disease in the hind paws developed an acute inflammation of the skin, the soft tissues around the joints, and the membranes of the joint cavities. This inflammation was short-lived, and was replaced by mild, chronic inflammation of the membranes of the joint cavities, as the number of bacteria in the inflamed tissues and the nerves that control dilation of blood vessels decreased. Exposure to radiation before infection prolonged the inflammatory phase and made bacteria persist longer in the soft tissues around the joints. The bones of the hind paws were eroded and destroyed, resulting in deformity of the joints. These facts should help to understand the disease-fighting immune mechanism involved in the onset, progression, and resolution of Lyme arthritis.

Joints, Joints (Anatomy), Complications and side effects, Physiological aspects, Lyme disease, Arthritis, Synovial membranes, Synovial membrane, Radiation effects

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Excitement - and confusion - about HLA and rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

A combination of genetic factors probably determines the cause and severity of rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers have identified some common genetic patterns in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. One of these patterns is a sequence of genetic material found in many rheumatoid arthritis patients. Researchers call this sequence of genetic material the susceptibility cassette. However, the expression of the susceptibility cassette varies greatly in patients of differing ethnic backgrounds. Many patients without the susceptibility cassette also develop rheumatoid arthritis. Some research suggests that there may also be a genetic sequence protecting healthy persons from developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Health aspects, Editorial, Genetic aspects, HLA class II antigens

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Rheumatoid arthritis - heresies and speculations

Article Abstract:

Several heresies and speculations on the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are discussed. The first heresy contends that RA does not have a single indispensable factor for its etiology, while the second heresy argues that a ternary complex of HLA-DR, autoantigen, and TCR is not important in RA. The third heresy states that specific oligoclonal T cell responses are not important in the initiation or perpetuation of RA in any stage.

Research

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