TIME-COURSE OF ANTIBODIES AGAINST IGG AND TYPE-II COLLAGEN IN ADJUVANT ARTHRITIS - ROLE OF MYCOBACTERIA ADMINISTRATION IN ANTIBODY-PRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to elucidate, during the time course of adju vant arthritis, the existence of antibodies directed to IgG (rheumatoi d factor-like) and antibodies against type II collagen. In a second st udy, we also studied the relation between antibody production, arthrit ic process and mycobacteria administration. We have demonstrated the p resence of antibodies to IgG and type II collagen by means of ELISA te chniques. This reactivity appeared on day 7 post-induction, decreased later, and increased progressively from day 21 until last day studied (day 56 post-induction). We have also quantified antibodies against a soluble fraction of Mycobacterium butyricum, the inductor of the disea se. Anti-mycobacteria antibodies appeared during the first seven days after induction, but from day 14, when systemic inflammation began, th eir levels suddenly increased. There is a positive correlation between anti-mycobacteria antibody levels and articular swelling. Anti-IgG an d anti-collagen antibody production was not directly linked to arthrit ic process since these antibodies were synthesized when M. butyricum w as administered intraperitoneally, which does not induce arthritis. An ti-mycobacteria antibody concentration was higher when arthritis induc tion by mycobacterial was successful than when it was unsuccessful.