Experimental model of periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis potentiates the deleterious effects on functional capacity, leukocyte migration, synovial and periodontal tissues in rats.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether ligature-induced periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) potentiate the deleterious effects on functional capacity, periodontal and synovial tissues, leukocyte migration, and interleukin 17 (IL-17) levels, and to investigate the repercussions of single Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) injection associated with periodontitis.

Materials And Methods: Fifty-one male rats were randomised into six groups: control (CG,  = 8), RA (RAG,  = 9), periodontitis (PG,  = 9), periodontitis and RA (PRAG,  = 9), periodontitis and intradermal injection (PIDG,  = 9), and periodontitis and intra-articular injection (PIAG,  = 7). The animals underwent ligature placement and one or two injections with FCA to induce RA.