Development and histologic characterization of an animal model of antigen-induced arthritis of the juvenile rabbit temporomandibular joint

Children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or juvenile chronic arthritis often exhibit temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement accompanied by pain, dysfunction, and growth abnormalities. Despite the severe functional and developmental consequences of this disease, its pathogenesis remains poorly understood, but important insights may be provided by a suitable animal model of this disease. The purpose of this study was to develop and histologically characterize a juvenile animal model of antigen-induced arthritis of the TMJ. Arthritis was induced with an intra-articular administration of ovalbumin in previously sensitized 10-week-old male New Zealand white rabbits. Sham-treated and untreated rabbits were used as controls. The TMJs were retrieved en bloc at 5, 10, 15, 35, and 55 days post-challenge for histology and matrix histochemistry. Antigen-treated joints demonstrated severe arthritis, including mononuclear cell infiltration, synovial lining and villous hyperplasia, and pannus formation, as early as 5 days after challenge; the arthritis was maintained up to 55 days post-challenge. A decrease in the area of the TMT disc that stained positively for glycosaminoglycans was observed throughout the experimental period. Loss of collagen staining was primarily localized to sites at the junction of the synovium with bone and fibrocartilage. The histopathologic features of this model of antigen-induced arthritis of the juvenile rabbit TMJ are similar to those observed previously in adult animal models of experimental arthritis and in human rheumatoid arthritis. This animal model will be useful for understanding the pathogenesis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis of the TMJ, and for exploring the mechanisms for aberrant craniofacial growth.