Evaluation of the effects of autohemotransfusion in arthritic rats induced by two doses of complete Freund´s adjuvant

Abstract

 The aim the study was to evaluate the effects of autohemotransfusion in adjuvant-induced arthritis model by injections of high and low doses of Complete Freund´s Adjuvant (CFA). Male Holtzman rats (200-230g) were distributed in six groups: control (C); control treated by autohemotransfusion (CT); CFA induced arthritis 0.5% w/v (AIA); CFA induced arthritis 0.5% w/v treated with autohemotransfusion (AIAT); CFA induced arthritis 0.1% w/v (AS) and CFA induced arthritis 0.1% w/v treated with autohemotransfusion (AST). The number of leukocytes, the weight of different organs and the paw volume were analyzed. The autohemotransfusion without erythrocytes promoted a reduction in the number of leukocytes in AIAT and AST when compared to AIA (p < 0.001). In the AST group an increase of the thymus weight (p < 0.05) was observed when compared to C, AIA and AIAT. The autohemotransfusion did not prevent the occurrence of paw edema in arthritic animals of AIAT and AST groups (p>0.05). The autohemotransfusion used in this work presented positive effects on AIA as they promoted a reduction in the number of leukocytes and an increase in thymus weight and body growth. However, other types of autohemotransfusion must be tested to determine the true efficacy of this alternative method of treatment.