Clinical course of an antigen-induced arthritis model in the rabbit temporomandibular joint

The aim of this study was to investigate clinical features of an antigen-in duced arthritis model in the rabbit temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and compa re them to those in knee joint (KJ) arthritis. Eighteen adult male New Zeal and White rabbits were divided into a TMJ arthritis group and a KJ arthriti s group. Monoarthritis was induced unilaterally with ovalbumin and clinical observations, including joint swelling, skin surface temperature (SST) ove r the joints, and the withdrawal reflex threshold (WRT) to noxious pressure , were performed over a 3 week period. The joints were then evaluated histo logically. The WRT was decreased during the 3 weeks after induction of TMJ arthritis, together with mild but significant joint swelling. The arthritic KJ also showed significant swelling and reduced WRT during the 3 week peri od. A significant increase of SST over the arthritic TMJ was present during the first week, while changes in SST over the KJ were inconsistent. The hi stological evaluation showed chronic arthritic features in all arthritic jo ints of both groups and no difference in the severity of arthritis was foun d between the TMJ and the KJ.