Role of TNF-alpha in the induction of antigen induced arthritis in the rabbit and the anti-arthritic effect of species specific TNF-alpha neutralising monoclonal antibodies
Article Abstract:
An antibody which neutralizes tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) may prevent joint inflammation and swelling but not prevent destruction of cartilage due to arthritis. TNF alpha is thought to play an important role in the disease process of rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers developed antibodies in rats to TNF alpha in rabbits, and tested the effect of the antibodies on experimentally induced arthritis in the rabbits. One day after arthritis was induced, rabbits' joint fluid contained high levels of TNF alpha. Injection of the rat antibody into the arthritic rabbit joints inhibited joint inflammation and swelling, and reduced the number of white blood cells in the joint fluid. The antibody may not have been able to reach TNF alpha in the deep zone of the cartilage, which was damaged by arthritis.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1995
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Antifibrotic action of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in lapine monoarticular arthritis
Article Abstract:
Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) may have some effect in reducing or reversing the production of fibrous tissue in the joints of arthritic rabbits. IL-1ra is a protein that blocks the activity of interleukin-1 (IL-1), which plays a significant role in the inflammatory response and the development of fibrous tissue. Researchers induced arthritis in the left knee joints of 17 New Zealand White rabbits and used the right knee joints as a control. They injected IL-1ra into 9 of the rabbits four times a day for three days and used the other 8 rabbits for untreated controls. Rabbits given IL-1ra exhibited a 65% reduction in the amount of fibrous tissue formed in the arthritic knee joint. IL-1ra seemed to have no effect in reducing swelling or preventing the loss of cartilage.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1995
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Therapeutic modulation of cytokines
Article Abstract:
Much research is going into developing anti-cytokine medications. Cytokines are substances that mediate inflammatory reactions, and they are known to be involved in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Drugs are being developed that suppress cytokine secretion and activity, affect manufacture within the cell, and modulate the pathways by which cytokines influence each other. Most of the drugs are still in the research and testing phase, and none as yet has shown promise in treating RA. Some of them present high potential for serious side effects. Given the complexity of the inflammatory process and the fact that reducing inflammation may not abate joint destruction, it seems unlikely that anticytokines will make more than a modest contribution to improving the outlook for RA patients.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1995
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