Changes in liver lysosome fragility, erythrocyte membrane stability, and local and systemic lysosomal enzyme levels in adjuvant-induced polyarthritis

Abstract

Adjuvant-induced polyarthritis in rats is characterized by the development of liver lysosome fragility, and elevated plasma and local hind paw activities of lysosomal acid hydrolases. During the first few days of the disease, there is a marked increase in liver lysosome fragility and a sharp elevation in plasma β-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase. Commencing on day 4, both liver lysosome fragility and plasma levels of acid hydrolases decrease. Liver lysosome fragility and plasma acid hydrolases again increase on day 9 and continue to rise. Between days 4 and 9, when liver lysosomes appear to be stabilized and plasma levels of acid hydrolases are near control values, the onset of erythrocyte membrane stabilization occurs which endures throughout the disease. Acid phosphatase activity in the injected hind paw increases immediately after induction of polyarthritis as does the swelling, whereas enzyme activity in and swelling of the contralateral hind paw increase 9 or 10 days later. Paramethasone, phenylbutazone and indomethacin, administered orally for various periods of time, attenuated the swelling of primary and secondary lesions and reduced the severity of the biochemical lesions examined.