Immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) level used to monitor adjuvant arthritis in rats

To determine if immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) responds to the degr ee of inflammation in adjuvant arthritis in rats (AA), we measured the seru m IAP level of the rats by using the single immunodiffusion method, and the level of concanavalin A (Con A) binding protein by using nepherometry. Pha rmacologic treatment with 0.3mg/kg of methotrexate (MTX) was done from day 5 to 14 postimmunization in rats with AA. The measured serum IAP level on d ay 21 indicated the most severe inflamed phase. IAP levels reflected the de gree of primary and secondary inflammatory phases in AA, whereas ConA bindi ng protein (CBP) levels did not. Our results suggest that IAP can be used t o monitor the symptoms of inflammation and the efficacy of anti-inflammator y drugs.