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Interleukin-1β as an articular process joint intra-articular model induces synovitis and signs of acute neck pain in horses.
Abstract: To develop and define a model of acute neck pain in an equine cervical articular process joint (APJ) using recombinant equine IL-1β (reIL-1β). Unassigned: 12 horses in this experimental study received a randomly assigned, unilateral intra-articular injection of 50 ng (n = 6) or 100 ng (n = 6) of reIL-1β and saline (contralateral side as control) into the C5-to-C6 APJ. Blinded ultrasonographic, clinical, and biomechanical parameters were evaluated between 4 hours and 14 days. Unassigned: There was a significant increase in APJ effusion on ultrasonographic examination that peaked at 24 hours (P = .0256; effect size, 0.8312; CI, 1.0594 to 0.629). There was a time effect on the clinical examination score (myofascial pain and stiffness) and a significant decrease in stride length and velocity at 24 hours. There was an adverse event (extravasation of injectate) in 1 horse. Unassigned: Ultrasonographic evidence of the presence and severity of APJ effusion was readily identified and tracked over time. Unilateral injection of the APJ with reIL-1β induced clinical signs of myofascial pain, neck stiffness, and gait adaptations. Using individual control horses, rather than a contralateral saline injection within the same horse, would improve our understanding of the clinical presentation of acute APJ pain using this model. Unassigned: Diagnosing the presence, localization, and clinical effects of neck pain in horses remains challenging and would benefit from the establishment of an experimental model. The induction of acute synovitis using reIL-1β within the C5-to-C6 APJ opens the door for future studies to ultimately better understand equine cervical pain and dysfunction.
Publication Date: 2025-02-06 PubMed ID: 39914001DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.24.10.0321Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
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The researchers have established a model for acute neck pain in horses by inducing synovitis (inflammation of the joint) in the cervical articular process joint using equine Interleukin-1β (IL-1β). The study demonstrates that this approach results in significant clinical signs of neck pain, including myofascial pain, neck stiffness, and changes in gait.
Study Design and Methodology
- The study comprised of 12 horses which received a unilateral intra-articular injection of recombinant equine IL-1β (reIL-1β) in one of two doses, 50 ng or 100 ng, into the C5-to-C6 (one of the neck vertebrae pairs) articular process joint (APJ).
- The contralateral side was injected with saline and used as a control.
- Various parameters, including clinical signs, ultrasonography, and quantifiable biomechanical changes, were monitored and measured from as early as 4 hours, and up to 14 days, post-injection.
Results and Findings
- Ultrasonographic examination demonstrated a significant increase in joint effusion (fluid within the joint space), which was observed to peak at about 24 hours post-injection.
- Clinical examination revealed a time-dependent effect on myofascial pain (pain in the muscle and surrounding connective tissue) and neck stiffness.
- Significant decreases in stride length and speed were also noted, indicative of discomfort or changes in bodily function.
- There was one instance of an adverse event where the injected substance leaked out of the intended area.
Implications and Suggestions for Future Research
- This study showcases that the pathophysiological changes induced by reIL-1β injection can be tracked using ultrasonography and that the injection initiates clinical signs akin to neck stiffness and myofascial pain, similar to those observed in clinical neck pain.
- The study suggests that further understanding of acute neck pain in horses could be enhanced by using individual control horses for comparison instead of using the contralateral side of the same horse.
- This model is a potential tool for future investigations to improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of neck pain in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Story MR, King M, Nout-Lomas YS, Barrett MF, Kawcak C, Frisbie D, McIlwraith CW, Haussler KK.
(2025).
Interleukin-1β as an articular process joint intra-articular model induces synovitis and signs of acute neck pain in horses.
Am J Vet Res, 1-8.
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.24.10.0321 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Orthopedic Research Center, C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
- Orthopedic Research Center, C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
- Orthopedic Research Center, C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
- Orthopedic Research Center, C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
- Orthopedic Research Center, C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
- Orthopedic Research Center, C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
- Orthopedic Research Center, C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
- Orthopedic Research Center, C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
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