Changes in expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 subfamily enzymes during development of adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.

An animal model of rheumatoid arthritis can be elicited in male Lewis rats by a single intradermal injection of liquid paraffin containing dead Mycrobacterium tuberculosis (MT adjuvant) into the planar surface of the right hind-foot. In the present study, we used this animal model to examine the changes in expression of hepatic cytochorme P450 (CYP) enzymes during the development of the arthritis. Swellings of the MT adjuvant-injected hind-foot initially occurred at 1-8 days after the injection.