CIA induction and evaluations
The mice were injected intradermally with 100
𝛍g
bovine CII (Chondrex) in 0.05 M acetic acid emulsified in complete
Freund’s adjuvant for the first immunization on day 0. On day 21, the
secondary immunization was performed with 100 𝛍g CII in incomplete
Freund’s adjuvant. Severity of inflammation was evaluated using a blind
method by an independent observer who did not know the grouping of the
mice. Arthritis score was evaluated as follows: 0 = normal; 1 =
erythema
and mild swelling confined to the midfoot; 2 = erythema and mild
swelling extending from the ankle to the midfoot; 3 = erythema and mild
swelling extending from the ankle to metatarsal joints; 4 = erythema and
severe swelling encompassing the ankle, foot, and digits. Scores for
four limbs were summed for each mouse.