CIA induction and evaluations
The mice were injected intradermally with 100 𝛍g bovine CII (Chondrex) in 0.05 M acetic acid emulsified in complete Freund’s adjuvant for the first immunization on day 0. On day 21, the secondary immunization was performed with 100 𝛍g CII in incomplete Freund’s adjuvant. Severity of inflammation was evaluated using a blind method by an independent observer who did not know the grouping of the mice. Arthritis score was evaluated as follows: 0 = normal; 1 = erythema and mild swelling confined to the midfoot; 2 = erythema and mild swelling extending from the ankle to the midfoot; 3 = erythema and mild swelling extending from the ankle to metatarsal joints; 4 = erythema and severe swelling encompassing the ankle, foot, and digits. Scores for four limbs were summed for each mouse.