YERSINIA-ASSOCIATED ARTHRITIS IN RATS - EFFECT OF 65 KDA HEAT-SHOCK PROTEIN, BOVINE SERUM-ALBUMIN AND INCOMPLETE FREUNDS-ADJUVANT

Objective. We have previously shown that the microbial load of rats ha s a significant effect on their susceptibility to Yersinia-associated arthritis. In this study our aim was to see whether mycobacterial 65 k Da heat shock protein (hsp) could induce the same suppressive effect i n experimental Yersinia-associated arthritis as has been reported for arthritides induced by adjuvant, pristane, or streptococcal cell walls (SCW). Methods. Arthritis was induced by the intravenous injection of Yersinia enterocolitica 0:8 into Lewis rats. Hsp, bovine serum albumi n (BSA) or NaCl, administered in incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA), w as given subcutaneously on day -5 or +5 with regard to the bacterial i noculation. Results. Mycobacterial hsp given in IFA on day -5 signific antly suppressed the development of arthritis. However, a similar supp ression was observed with BSA or NaCl given in IFA. Conclusion. These results, together with those known from the effect of microbial load, suggest that susceptibility to Yersinia-associated arthritis is easily affected by external factors.