J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2002 Feb;37(1):123-130.

The Effect of a High Dose of Methotrexate on Type II Collagen induced Arthritis in Rats

• Son JH
• Suh TH
• Jung GH
• Kim JD

Abstract

PURPOSE: Rat arthritis was induced by bovine type II collagen. To present the remedial effects on type II collagen arthritis and clinical efficacy, a high dose of methotrexate, of a level similar to that used in cancer patients was given to rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Healthy male Brown Norway rats were used, of mean weight; 300 g. There were 7 subgroups: a control group, given collagen only, an orally methotrexate treated (2.5mg/week), high methotrexate dose groups; 10 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and a low dose methotrexate group (0.375 mg/kg/week, 4 times) were included in the present study. Type II collagen was injected for arthritis induction and a single intraperitoneal injection of methotrexate was administered after 15 days. Orally treated group was administered 4 times (2.5 mg/week). Histopathologic findings were evaluated.
RESULTS
50 mg/kg methotrexate was effectively reduced the arthritis index and significantly decreased inflammatory cell number between 2nd and 6 weeks.
CONCLUSION
A high dose of methotrexate may be clinically effective in the short period treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Keyword

Brown Norway rat; High-dose methotrexate; Type II collagen- induced arthritis

MeSH Terms

Animals
Arthritis*
Arthritis, Rheumatoid
Cell Count
Collagen
Collagen Type II*
Humans
Injections, Intraperitoneal
Male
Methotrexate*
Norway
Rats*
Collagen
Collagen Type II
Methotrexate