Therapeutic efficacy of QS （quinapyramine sulphate） and FCA （Freund＇s complete adjuvant） combination was studied. The aim of the study was to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of QS using FCA in Trypanosorna congolen...Therapeutic efficacy of QS （quinapyramine sulphate） and FCA （Freund＇s complete adjuvant） combination was studied. The aim of the study was to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of QS using FCA in Trypanosorna congolense infection. GrouPs treated with QS and FCA had parasite disappeared in peripheral circulation 2 days pi, relapse was observed one week later. Effect of treatment on rectal temperature shows no significance （p 〈 0.05）, normalization of rectal temperature occurred in QS and FCA treated groups （34.1℃） than untreated （42.8 ℃）, QS （37.4 ℃） and FCA （35.92 ℃） treated groups. Mean body weight was significant （p 〈 0.001） in QS and FCA, QS, and FCA groups. Packed cell volume and hemoglobin concentration for untreated groups were lower, but increased in QS, FCA, QS and FCA treated groups, indicating anemia amelioration. White blood cell counted in untreated, QS and FCA treated groups showed no significance （p 〈 0.05）, however, there was leukocytosis due to lymphocytosis in QS and FCA treated group （6.79 × 10^3/μl） compared with untreated and other groups. There was comparative decrease in serum liver enzymes in QS and FCA treated group than other groups. Therefore, QS at lower recommended dose with FCA may enhance efficacy of QS in trypanosomiasis.展开更多
Objective:Celastrus paniculatus(CP)Willd.is a plant indigenous to India with medicinal properties.It is used in the ayurvedic treatment of inflammatory ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis.The present study was desig...Objective:Celastrus paniculatus(CP)Willd.is a plant indigenous to India with medicinal properties.It is used in the ayurvedic treatment of inflammatory ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis.The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of the petroleum ether fraction(PCP)obtained from CP seeds on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.Methods:Arthritis was induced in SpragueeDawley rats by immunization with Freund’s complete adjuvant(FCA).Arthritis severity was evaluated by arthritis score,paw volume,tibiotarsal joint thickness,body weight,dorsal flexion pain,motility test,stair climbing ability and index of thymus and spleen.Moreover,histopathology of knee joints supported by haematological analysis was used to assess the anti-arthritic action of PCP.The levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione(GSH),catalase(CAT),nitric oxide(NO)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in liver were also assessed.Serum samples were collected for estimation of aspartate transaminase(AST),alanine transaminase(ALT)and alkaline phosphatase(ALP).In addition,cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-a)and interleukin-6(IL-6)were estimated in plasma.Results:PCP significantly alleviated arthritic progression with regards to paw swelling,arthritic score,immune organ indices,hyperalgesic effect and body weight.This phenomenon was correlated with significant suppression of overproduction of inflammatory cytokines(TNFa and IL-6),oxidant stress markers(MDA and NO)and cellular enzyme(AST,ALT and ALP)levels versus arthritic rats without treatment.Moreover,PCP restored the decreased levels of SOD,CAT and GSH.Conclusion:Our results suggest that the anti-arthritic properties of PCP may be due to immunosuppressive effects,cytokine regulation,antioxidant effects and bone-protective activities.展开更多
Objective：To study the effect of μ-opioid receptor （MOR） expression in the inflammatory skin tissue and the effect of electroacupuncture （EA） on the topical immunoreaction （IR） of MOR positive fibers in adjuva...Objective：To study the effect of μ-opioid receptor （MOR） expression in the inflammatory skin tissue and the effect of electroacupuncture （EA） on the topical immunoreaction （IR） of MOR positive fibers in adjuvant arthritic （AA） rats. Methods： A total of 48 SD rats were randomized into control （n = 8）, model （n = 10）, focus-side-EA （n = 10）, non-acupoint-EA （n = 10）, and healthy-side-EA （ n = 10） groups. AA model was established by subcutaneous injection of complete Freund＇s adjuvant （CFA, 50 μL） into the left hind paw. EA （4-16 Hz, 0.5-1.5 V） was applied to “Huantiao” （环跳 GB 30） and“Yanglingquan” （阳陵泉 GB 34） on the focus or healthy side and non-acupoints for 30 min. Non-acupoints used were the two sites 5 mm to GB 30 and GB 34 on the healthy side. The topical MOR IR-positive fibers in the dermal and subcutaneous tissues of the focus was stained with immunohistochemical method. The severity of pain was detected by foot （anklejoint）-bending test. Results： Compared with model group, the “foot-bending test” score decreased significantly in focus-side-EA group on the 9^th and 11^th day （P〈 0.05） and in non-acupoint-EA group on the 8^th, 9^th and 11thd after injection of CFA （P 〈 0.05）, indicating that EA of bilateral GB 30 and GB 34 and non-acupoints all can relieve pain. From the 13^th day on, no significant differences were found in “foot-bending test” scores among the 3 EA groups and model group （P 〉0.05）. In comparison with control group, the area values of MOR IR-positive nerve fibers in the focus tissue were significantly higher in 3 EA groups （P 〈 0.05）. The area values of MOR IR-positive nerve fibers in the focus in model group and 3 EA groups were significant higher than that in control group （P〈 0.05）. Compared with model group, the area values of MOR IR-positive fibers in focus-side-EA group and healthy-side-EA group increased significantly （P 〈 0.05）; while those of MOR IR-positive fibers in non-acupoint-EA group and healthy-side-EA group were significantly lower than that in focus-side-EA group （ P 〈 0.05 ）, and no significant differences were found among model group, healthy-side-EA group and non-acupoint-EA group in the area of MOR IR-positive fibers （P 〉0.05）, indicating a stronger effect of EA of acupoints on the focus side. Conclusion： EA of GB 30 and GB 34 can relieve inflammatory pain and up-regulate the expression of MOR IR-positive fibers in the focal skin tissues in AA rats, exerting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.展开更多
[Objective] To investigate the prevention and control effect of polysaccharide from the rhizomorph of Armillaria mellea by distilled water elution （AMP-1） on diabetic cataract in rats.[Methods] Streptozotocin （STZ...[Objective] To investigate the prevention and control effect of polysaccharide from the rhizomorph of Armillaria mellea by distilled water elution （AMP-1） on diabetic cataract in rats.[Methods] Streptozotocin （STZ）,combined with freund＇s adjuvant （CFA）,was used to induce diabetic cataract in rat,to observe the onset of lenticular turbidity by slit lamp and compare the turbid degree of eyes lens among different groups.The super oxide dismutase （SOD）,glutathione peroxidase （GSH-px） and malondialdehyde （MDA） in serum and eyes lens were measured by colorimetric method.[Results] The slit lamp examination results showed that AMP-1 obviously delayed the onset of diabetic cataract and reduced turbid degree of eyes lens.Compared with model group,AMP-1 at various doses should significantly reduce the level of MDA ascended in serum of rats.Medium-and high-dose groups could increase the levels of SOD and GSH-Px in serum,and the dose of AMP-1 was closely related to the effect.[Conclusion] AMP-1 played a prominent role in prevention and treatment of diabetic cataract in rats.展开更多
Advances of studies on the acupuncture and pain signal transduction mechanisms in complete Freud＇s adjuvant arthritis are reviewed from the three aspects, the first messenger of modulating pain signals and the relate...Advances of studies on the acupuncture and pain signal transduction mechanisms in complete Freud＇s adjuvant arthritis are reviewed from the three aspects, the first messenger of modulating pain signals and the related receptors, the second messenger of modulating pain signals and other factors possibly involved in modulation of pain signal transduction, etc. It is held that modulation of acupuncture for pain signals is a comprehensive course involved in multi-channels, multi-levels, multi-links, and in future, acupuncture analgesic mechanisms for Freud＇s adjuvant arthritis will be more deeply studied by use of more new techniques and new methods.展开更多
Objective:To establish a collagen type II-induced rat model of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)presenting characteristics of the human form of the traditional Chinese syndrome pattern of toxic heat-stasis painful obstruction(...Objective:To establish a collagen type II-induced rat model of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)presenting characteristics of the human form of the traditional Chinese syndrome pattern of toxic heat-stasis painful obstruction(bi zheng;arthromyodynia)as well as pathologic features of active RA.The Chinese herbal medicine Tengmei decoction was used to validate the animal model.Methods:Ninety specific pathogen free Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group of 6 rats and a model group of 84 rats.To establish the rat model of collageninduced arthritis(CIA),bovine type II collagen in complete Freund’s adjuvant was injected into the model group rats as a priming dose(Day 0)and boosting dose(Day 9).Changes in arthritic index(AI)scores,including limb swelling,were monitored.Thereafter,24 successfullyestablished CIA rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups with 6 animals each:model,positive control drug,high-dose traditional Chinese herbal medicine,and traditional Chinese herbal medicine.A blank control group of 6 rats was included.After 12 weeks of intervention with Tengmei decoction,articular synovial tissue and serum specimens were collected to detect interleukin-2(IL-2)and IL-17 transcription and protein expression levels.展开更多
Enicostemma littorale (Blume), the folk medicine is used for rheumatic pain and it was selected for scientific validation. The 85% methanolic extract obtained from the whole plant of Enicostemma littorale has been ass...Enicostemma littorale (Blume), the folk medicine is used for rheumatic pain and it was selected for scientific validation. The 85% methanolic extract obtained from the whole plant of Enicostemma littorale has been assessed for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. The analgesic activity has been evaluated by hot plate and tail immersion method and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities are evaluated by Complete Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritic model. The results of the evaluation of analgesic activity in hot plate and tail immersion method revealed that the extract exhibits significant activity at 150 mg/kg body weight and the effect is found to increase dose dependently. In Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritis, Enicostemma littorale is found to decrease the paw volume (15.81%). Significant protection is also observed by elevating antioxidant enzymes. In conclusion, the 85% methanolic extract of Enicostemma littorale possesses significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritic model in rats.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the anti-arthritic effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus.Methods:Monoarthritis was induced by an injection of 0.3 mL zymosan A(0.9%NaCl,v/v)in the right posteri...Objective:To evaluate the anti-arthritic effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus.Methods:Monoarthritis was induced by an injection of 0.3 mL zymosan A(0.9%NaCl,v/v)in the right posterior knee joints of rats.Then,joint diameter and pain threshold were determined.Polyarthritis was induced by an intracaudal injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant and rats were treated from day 14 post 1st complete Freund’s adjuvant injection until 28 day.The clinical,hematological,biochemical and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated.In addition,histological analysis of the knee joint was perfomed in both tests.Results:The aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus at a dose of 500 mg/kg ameliorated zymosan A-induced monoarthritis,as evidenced by reduced joint diameter,increased pain threshold,as well as improved joint architecture.In addition,both extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus markedly increased body weight and pain threshold,while reducing paw edema in polyarthritic rats.They also led to a marked decrease in platelets and white blood cells(P<0.05),as well as a significant increase in red blood cells,hemoglobin and hematocrit(P<0.05).The aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase activities,while increasing serum protein levels(P<0.05)with no significant variation in creatinine level.Moreover,both extracts increased catalase and glutathione activities(P<0.05),and inhibited malondialdehyde and nitric oxide production(P<0.01 and P<0.001)in the liver and kidneys.Histological analysis of the joints showed that both extracts triggered tissue reparation.Conclusions:Distemonanthus benthamianus could be used as a potential candidate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.展开更多
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common form of chronic inflammatory arthritis, and it mainly causes the destruction of small joints. The development of this disease is a relatively secret and repeated process, and ther...Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common form of chronic inflammatory arthritis, and it mainly causes the destruction of small joints. The development of this disease is a relatively secret and repeated process, and therefore early diagnosis and evaluation of the disease is usually difficult. In this study, an arthritis model was successfully induced by injecting complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) into the toes of lower limbs of Wistar rats. Seven days after injection of CFA, obvious redness and swelling appeared at the toe joints of lower limbs accompanied by more sensitivity to thermal stimulation. Using the ultraweak bio-photon imaging system (UBIS) established by us, the toe joint area of the lower limbs of rats was imaged 7 days after injection of CFA. It was found that the volar part of lower limbs of arthritis rats showed significantly higher biophoton emissions compared with the control group. The results of this study may provide a basis for further research and devel-opment of early diagnosis and assessment of lesion progression of rheumatoid arthritis.展开更多
文摘Therapeutic efficacy of QS （quinapyramine sulphate） and FCA （Freund＇s complete adjuvant） combination was studied. The aim of the study was to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of QS using FCA in Trypanosorna congolense infection. GrouPs treated with QS and FCA had parasite disappeared in peripheral circulation 2 days pi, relapse was observed one week later. Effect of treatment on rectal temperature shows no significance （p 〈 0.05）, normalization of rectal temperature occurred in QS and FCA treated groups （34.1℃） than untreated （42.8 ℃）, QS （37.4 ℃） and FCA （35.92 ℃） treated groups. Mean body weight was significant （p 〈 0.001） in QS and FCA, QS, and FCA groups. Packed cell volume and hemoglobin concentration for untreated groups were lower, but increased in QS, FCA, QS and FCA treated groups, indicating anemia amelioration. White blood cell counted in untreated, QS and FCA treated groups showed no significance （p 〈 0.05）, however, there was leukocytosis due to lymphocytosis in QS and FCA treated group （6.79 × 10^3/μl） compared with untreated and other groups. There was comparative decrease in serum liver enzymes in QS and FCA treated group than other groups. Therefore, QS at lower recommended dose with FCA may enhance efficacy of QS in trypanosomiasis.
基金The authors are grateful for the financial support from the University Grant Commission(UGC),India(No.F 5-63/2007).The authors also wish to thank Dr Dnyaneshwar Nagmoti,Mr Nitin Gawali and Ms Sarayu Pai who contributed to this study.
文摘Objective:Celastrus paniculatus(CP)Willd.is a plant indigenous to India with medicinal properties.It is used in the ayurvedic treatment of inflammatory ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis.The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of the petroleum ether fraction(PCP)obtained from CP seeds on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.Methods:Arthritis was induced in SpragueeDawley rats by immunization with Freund’s complete adjuvant(FCA).Arthritis severity was evaluated by arthritis score,paw volume,tibiotarsal joint thickness,body weight,dorsal flexion pain,motility test,stair climbing ability and index of thymus and spleen.Moreover,histopathology of knee joints supported by haematological analysis was used to assess the anti-arthritic action of PCP.The levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione(GSH),catalase(CAT),nitric oxide(NO)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in liver were also assessed.Serum samples were collected for estimation of aspartate transaminase(AST),alanine transaminase(ALT)and alkaline phosphatase(ALP).In addition,cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-a)and interleukin-6(IL-6)were estimated in plasma.Results:PCP significantly alleviated arthritic progression with regards to paw swelling,arthritic score,immune organ indices,hyperalgesic effect and body weight.This phenomenon was correlated with significant suppression of overproduction of inflammatory cytokines(TNFa and IL-6),oxidant stress markers(MDA and NO)and cellular enzyme(AST,ALT and ALP)levels versus arthritic rats without treatment.Moreover,PCP restored the decreased levels of SOD,CAT and GSH.Conclusion:Our results suggest that the anti-arthritic properties of PCP may be due to immunosuppressive effects,cytokine regulation,antioxidant effects and bone-protective activities.
基金This study is subsidized by Chinese National Natural Science Foundation [Key Research Project (90209009) ]Hubei Natural Science Foundation (2002AB124)Foundation for Scientific Research of Huazhong University of Science and Technology
文摘Objective：To study the effect of μ-opioid receptor （MOR） expression in the inflammatory skin tissue and the effect of electroacupuncture （EA） on the topical immunoreaction （IR） of MOR positive fibers in adjuvant arthritic （AA） rats. Methods： A total of 48 SD rats were randomized into control （n = 8）, model （n = 10）, focus-side-EA （n = 10）, non-acupoint-EA （n = 10）, and healthy-side-EA （ n = 10） groups. AA model was established by subcutaneous injection of complete Freund＇s adjuvant （CFA, 50 μL） into the left hind paw. EA （4-16 Hz, 0.5-1.5 V） was applied to “Huantiao” （环跳 GB 30） and“Yanglingquan” （阳陵泉 GB 34） on the focus or healthy side and non-acupoints for 30 min. Non-acupoints used were the two sites 5 mm to GB 30 and GB 34 on the healthy side. The topical MOR IR-positive fibers in the dermal and subcutaneous tissues of the focus was stained with immunohistochemical method. The severity of pain was detected by foot （anklejoint）-bending test. Results： Compared with model group, the “foot-bending test” score decreased significantly in focus-side-EA group on the 9^th and 11^th day （P〈 0.05） and in non-acupoint-EA group on the 8^th, 9^th and 11thd after injection of CFA （P 〈 0.05）, indicating that EA of bilateral GB 30 and GB 34 and non-acupoints all can relieve pain. From the 13^th day on, no significant differences were found in “foot-bending test” scores among the 3 EA groups and model group （P 〉0.05）. In comparison with control group, the area values of MOR IR-positive nerve fibers in the focus tissue were significantly higher in 3 EA groups （P 〈 0.05）. The area values of MOR IR-positive nerve fibers in the focus in model group and 3 EA groups were significant higher than that in control group （P〈 0.05）. Compared with model group, the area values of MOR IR-positive fibers in focus-side-EA group and healthy-side-EA group increased significantly （P 〈 0.05）; while those of MOR IR-positive fibers in non-acupoint-EA group and healthy-side-EA group were significantly lower than that in focus-side-EA group （ P 〈 0.05 ）, and no significant differences were found among model group, healthy-side-EA group and non-acupoint-EA group in the area of MOR IR-positive fibers （P 〉0.05）, indicating a stronger effect of EA of acupoints on the focus side. Conclusion： EA of GB 30 and GB 34 can relieve inflammatory pain and up-regulate the expression of MOR IR-positive fibers in the focal skin tissues in AA rats, exerting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
基金Supported by Scientific Research Fund of Jianghuai College of Anhui University(2012KJ0004)~~
文摘[Objective] To investigate the prevention and control effect of polysaccharide from the rhizomorph of Armillaria mellea by distilled water elution （AMP-1） on diabetic cataract in rats.[Methods] Streptozotocin （STZ）,combined with freund＇s adjuvant （CFA）,was used to induce diabetic cataract in rat,to observe the onset of lenticular turbidity by slit lamp and compare the turbid degree of eyes lens among different groups.The super oxide dismutase （SOD）,glutathione peroxidase （GSH-px） and malondialdehyde （MDA） in serum and eyes lens were measured by colorimetric method.[Results] The slit lamp examination results showed that AMP-1 obviously delayed the onset of diabetic cataract and reduced turbid degree of eyes lens.Compared with model group,AMP-1 at various doses should significantly reduce the level of MDA ascended in serum of rats.Medium-and high-dose groups could increase the levels of SOD and GSH-Px in serum,and the dose of AMP-1 was closely related to the effect.[Conclusion] AMP-1 played a prominent role in prevention and treatment of diabetic cataract in rats.
基金Supported by Scientific Research Project Foundation of Shanghai City Science and Technology Committee:07dz19722-5
文摘Advances of studies on the acupuncture and pain signal transduction mechanisms in complete Freud＇s adjuvant arthritis are reviewed from the three aspects, the first messenger of modulating pain signals and the related receptors, the second messenger of modulating pain signals and other factors possibly involved in modulation of pain signal transduction, etc. It is held that modulation of acupuncture for pain signals is a comprehensive course involved in multi-channels, multi-levels, multi-links, and in future, acupuncture analgesic mechanisms for Freud＇s adjuvant arthritis will be more deeply studied by use of more new techniques and new methods.
文摘Objective:To establish a collagen type II-induced rat model of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)presenting characteristics of the human form of the traditional Chinese syndrome pattern of toxic heat-stasis painful obstruction(bi zheng;arthromyodynia)as well as pathologic features of active RA.The Chinese herbal medicine Tengmei decoction was used to validate the animal model.Methods:Ninety specific pathogen free Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group of 6 rats and a model group of 84 rats.To establish the rat model of collageninduced arthritis(CIA),bovine type II collagen in complete Freund’s adjuvant was injected into the model group rats as a priming dose(Day 0)and boosting dose(Day 9).Changes in arthritic index(AI)scores,including limb swelling,were monitored.Thereafter,24 successfullyestablished CIA rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups with 6 animals each:model,positive control drug,high-dose traditional Chinese herbal medicine,and traditional Chinese herbal medicine.A blank control group of 6 rats was included.After 12 weeks of intervention with Tengmei decoction,articular synovial tissue and serum specimens were collected to detect interleukin-2(IL-2)and IL-17 transcription and protein expression levels.
文摘Enicostemma littorale (Blume), the folk medicine is used for rheumatic pain and it was selected for scientific validation. The 85% methanolic extract obtained from the whole plant of Enicostemma littorale has been assessed for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. The analgesic activity has been evaluated by hot plate and tail immersion method and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities are evaluated by Complete Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritic model. The results of the evaluation of analgesic activity in hot plate and tail immersion method revealed that the extract exhibits significant activity at 150 mg/kg body weight and the effect is found to increase dose dependently. In Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritis, Enicostemma littorale is found to decrease the paw volume (15.81%). Significant protection is also observed by elevating antioxidant enzymes. In conclusion, the 85% methanolic extract of Enicostemma littorale possesses significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritic model in rats.
文摘Objective:To evaluate the anti-arthritic effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus.Methods:Monoarthritis was induced by an injection of 0.3 mL zymosan A(0.9%NaCl,v/v)in the right posterior knee joints of rats.Then,joint diameter and pain threshold were determined.Polyarthritis was induced by an intracaudal injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant and rats were treated from day 14 post 1st complete Freund’s adjuvant injection until 28 day.The clinical,hematological,biochemical and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated.In addition,histological analysis of the knee joint was perfomed in both tests.Results:The aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus at a dose of 500 mg/kg ameliorated zymosan A-induced monoarthritis,as evidenced by reduced joint diameter,increased pain threshold,as well as improved joint architecture.In addition,both extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus markedly increased body weight and pain threshold,while reducing paw edema in polyarthritic rats.They also led to a marked decrease in platelets and white blood cells(P<0.05),as well as a significant increase in red blood cells,hemoglobin and hematocrit(P<0.05).The aqueous and methanolic extracts of Distemonanthus benthamianus significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase activities,while increasing serum protein levels(P<0.05)with no significant variation in creatinine level.Moreover,both extracts increased catalase and glutathione activities(P<0.05),and inhibited malondialdehyde and nitric oxide production(P<0.01 and P<0.001)in the liver and kidneys.Histological analysis of the joints showed that both extracts triggered tissue reparation.Conclusions:Distemonanthus benthamianus could be used as a potential candidate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
文摘Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common form of chronic inflammatory arthritis, and it mainly causes the destruction of small joints. The development of this disease is a relatively secret and repeated process, and therefore early diagnosis and evaluation of the disease is usually difficult. In this study, an arthritis model was successfully induced by injecting complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) into the toes of lower limbs of Wistar rats. Seven days after injection of CFA, obvious redness and swelling appeared at the toe joints of lower limbs accompanied by more sensitivity to thermal stimulation. Using the ultraweak bio-photon imaging system (UBIS) established by us, the toe joint area of the lower limbs of rats was imaged 7 days after injection of CFA. It was found that the volar part of lower limbs of arthritis rats showed significantly higher biophoton emissions compared with the control group. The results of this study may provide a basis for further research and devel-opment of early diagnosis and assessment of lesion progression of rheumatoid arthritis.
