Prevention of splenic granuloma formation in adjuvant arthritis by 2-acetyl-4-tetrahydroxybutylimidazole (THI).

Abstract

Adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) in Lewis rats is a widely used model of chronic inflammatory arthritis. Non-articular features such as weight loss and necrotizing granulomas of the spleen and lymph nodes also occur in this model. The compound 2-acetyl-4-tetrahydroxybutylimidazole (THI) marginally delayed the development of AA. However, this agent had no effect on the incidence or severity of disease. In contrast, THI totally prevented granuloma formation in the spleen and associated splenomegaly. We conclude that THI may be a useful adjunctive agent for some inflammatory diseases.