A modified rabbit model of gouty knee arthritis

Li Qi; Chen Xu-xu; Li Jian

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2017.24.019

Abstract：BACKGROUND:An ideal animal model is important for studying gouty arthritis. However, a lack of perfect animal model of gouty arthritis delays the progress in searching for a novel drug and treatment method. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effectiveness of the modified rabbit model of gouty knee arthritis. METHODS:New Zealand white rabbits were selected and randomly divided into four groups. Except bIank control group received no intervention;the rabbit greater omentum was removed, which was wrapped with nothing (sham operation group), impIanted with 0.1 g/L monosodium urate crystal suspension (conventionaI group), or 100 mg/kg monosodium urate crystal (modified group) into the suprapatellar cyst of the rabbit right knee. The swelling degree, motor function, and inflammatory response of the knee joint were observed at 1, 2 and 3 days, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after modeling to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the modified model. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The movement function in the modified group was significantly decreased within<weeks after modeling (P<0.05). The joint swelling index in the conventional and modified groups peaked on day 1 or 2, and then began to decrease. The descent velocity in the modified group was slower than that in the conventional group, and the swelling index showed significant difference between modified and bIank control groups at 4 weeks after modeling (P<0.05). The conventional and modified groups presented with overt inflammatory response, synovial hyperplasia, congestion and edema;abundant synovial fIuid appeared in the articuIar cavity;periphery tissue became congestion and edema;the cartiIage reveaIed no obvious damage. The leveIs of interleukin-6 and-1βin serum and synovial fluid in the conventional and modified groups peaked on days 1 and 2, followed by a decrease, but the modified group exhibited a sIower descent velocity compared with the modified group. All above levels in the modified group were significantly higher than those in the other three groups (P<0.05). These results suggest that the rabbit model of gouty knee arthritis is successful established by the intra-articuIar impIantation with the autogenous greater omentum-wrapped monosodium urate crystal, which can last more than 4 weeks, Ionger than the conventional model.