Monument MJ, Hart DA, Befus AD, Salo PT, Zhang M, Hildebrand KA. The mast cell stabilizer ketotifen reduces joint capsule fibrosis in a rabbit model of post-traumatic joint contractures.
Inflamm Res 2011;
61:285-92. [PMID:
22173279 DOI:
10.1007/s00011-011-0409-3]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 11/22/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Using a rabbit model of post-traumatic joint contractures, we investigated whether treatment with a mast cell stabilizer after joint injury would lessen the molecular manifestations of joint capsule fibrosis.
METHODS
Surgical joint injury was used to create stable post-traumatic contractures of the knee in skeletally mature New Zealand white rabbits. Four groups of animals were studied: a non-operated control group (n = 8), an operated contracture group (n = 13) and two operated groups treated with the mast cell stabilizer, ketotifen, at doses of 0.5 mg/kg (n = 9) and 1.0 mg/kg (n = 9) twice daily. Joint capsule fibrosis was assessed by quantifying the mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA, tryptase, TGF-β1, collagen I and collagen III. Significance was tested using an ANOVA analysis of variance.
RESULTS
The protein and mRNA levels of α-SMA, TGF-β1, tryptase and collagen I and III were significantly elevated in the operated contracture group compared to control (p < 0.01). In both ketotifen-treated groups, protein and mRNA levels of α-SMA, TGF-β1 and collagen I were significantly reduced compared to the operated contracture group (p < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest an inflammatory pathway mediated by mast cell activation is involved in joint capsule fibrosis after traumatic injury.
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