ANTI-TYPE-I COLLAGEN ANTIBODIES IN ADVANCED PHASES OF ADJUVANT ARTHRITIS

The aim of this study was to elucidate the existence of autoantibodies directed to type I collagen as a response to connective tissue altera tions that occur in inflammatory diseases. We have demonstrated the pr esence of antibodies to type I collagen during the time course of adju vant arthritis, by means of the ELISA technique. These autoantibodies reached the highest levels in advanced phases of the arthritic process from 8 to 10 weeks after mycobacteria administration. The bind-paw sw elling and the anti-type I collagen antibodies remained for at least 1 8 weeks post-induction.