TY - JOUR T1 - Expression of CD44 in synovium of rabbits with chronic arthritis induced by immunization with Escherichia coli. JF - The Journal of Rheumatology JO - J Rheumatol SP - 2579 LP - 2582 VL - 28 IS - 12 AU - T Takagi AU - R Okamoto AU - N Sakai AU - H Goto AU - K Noyori AU - T Koshino Y1 - 2001/12/01 UR - http://www.jrheum.org/content/28/12/2579.abstract N2 - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of CD44 and its role in experimental chronic arthritis in rabbits. METHODS: Rabbits were immunized with Escherichia coli 0:14 for short (4 mo) and long (8-10 mo) periods. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on knees, using anti-CD44 antibodies. RESULTS: Lymphocyte infiltration in the synovium was found in 30.0% of rabbits after short term immunization, and the rate increased to 58.3% after longterm immunization. CD44 was present in synovial lining cells in 30.0% of rabbits after short term immunization, and it increased significantly (p < 0.05) after longterm immunization (66.7%). CD44 was also observed in lymphocytes in knee synovium after longterm immunization (25.0%). CONCLUSION: CD44 in lining cells might play a role in promoting chronic arthritis in rabbits immunized with E. coli. ER -