Yersinia enterocolitica O:8 and O:5 lipopolysaccharide arthritogenicity in hamsters.

Abstract

To assess the arthritogenicity of Yersinia enterocolitica O:8 and O:5 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administered separately as single antigens in hamsters. Male hamsters of the Syria strain were intramuscularly injected into each of the hind paws with two doses of Y. enterocolitica LPS O:8 or O:5. The measurement of swelling using a plethysmometer, the analysis of histological changes by routine techniques and the kinetics of LPS-specific antibodies and autoantibodies evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed. LPS O:8 was demonstrated to be more arthritogenic than LPS O:5, inducing acute arthritis on day 3 post-injection as well as more significant and longer lasting joint swelling after a second dose. LPS O:8 caused severe histopathological changes in the joints. Important LPS O:8-specific IgG responses and antibodies against type I and II collagen were observed. LPS O:8 administered alone has arthritogenic power and induces activation of autoreactive clones. This study supports the key role of LPS in the development of reactive arthritis.