SAT0029 The role of microflora in ankent (ankylosing enthesopathy) in mice. (1st June 2001) - Rehakova, Z
Abstract : Background: Murine ankylosing enthesopathy (ANKENT), an experimental model for human ankylosing spondylitis, is strongly dependent on the contact of ANKENT-prone mice (B10 or B10. BR genetic background) with microbes as no disease is observed under germfree (GF) conditions while about 20% of conventional (CV) males are afflicted. The disease is almost exclusively restricted to male mice, It affects only ankle and tarsal joints. Next risk factor for ANKENT is haplotype. Objectives: To confirm a hypothesis that ANKENT-triggering agents are intestinal bacteria to identify the ANKENT-triggering strains by technique of controlled association of GF mice. Methods: B10. BR males from a previously established GF colony were oligoassociated with a cocktail of anaerobic bacteria isolated from a diseased CV male. The mice were checked for ANKENT once a week. Lymphocyte phenotype in afflicted as well as healthy males was determined. Results: Oligoassociation with the selected cocktail of bacteria resulted in ANKENT in > 20% of ex-GF males, which corresponds to the situation seen under CV conditions and exceeds the ANKENT incidence in specific-pathogen-free mice. Conclusion: ANKENT-triggering agents are bacteria. The importance of viruses, protozoa and helmints in ANKENT onset can be excluded. Our findings strongly suggest that, similar to other spondylarthropathies, intestinal microflora has a inductive role in ANKENT pathogenesis. Supported by grant GACR 310/00/1371. Reference: Rehakova, et al . Hum Immunol. 2000;61:555