REDUCTION IN THE INCIDENCE AND SEVERITY OF COLLAGEN-INDUCED ARTHRITISIN DBA 1 MICE, USING EXOGENOUS DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE/

Objective. This study examined the effect of exogenous dehydroepiandro sterone (DHEA) on the onset, incidence, and severity of collagen-induc ed arthritis (CIA). Methods. DHEA was administered subcutaneously prio r to arthritis induction in DBA/1 mice, and the severity of the subseq uent arthritis was monitored, Serum levels of total IgG and IgG isotyp e-specific anti-murine type II collagen were measured, Results. Repeat ed administration of DHEA during arthritis induction delayed the onset and decreased the severity of arthritis in male and female DBA/1 mice . DHEA failed to have an observable effect on established arthritis. I gG isotype autoantibody levels were found to be decreased in the sera of DHEA-treated mice. Conclusion. Administration of exogenous DHEA off ered protection against the development of CIA. These data support the results of human studies in which low DHEA levels have been identifie d as a potential risk factor for the development of rheumatoid arthrit is, These findings also highlight DHEA as a potential therapy worthy o f further investigation.