Induction and Evaluation of Collagen Induced Arthritis (CIA)

CIA was induced by immunization with type II collagen (CII) (100μg of CII emulsified 1:1 with complete Freund’s adjuvant) as previously described (10). Mice were monitored for the onset and progression of CIA using a grading system (range 0–3) wherein each paw was scored; 0= no swelling, 1=1or 2 digit swollen, 2=2 or more digits swollen and 3= swollen paw. The mean arthritic score was determined using arthritic animals only. Mice were divided in 2 groups for reproducibility. Histopathology of representative paws from each group was done to determine arthritis induction. DBA/1 mice were immunized with CII and the paw thickness was measured with calipers before and after induction of arthritis to determine the arthritis severity.