Exacerbation of experimental poly-D-lysine arthritis by C-reactive protein.

Rabbit C-reactive protein (Cx-rp) was able to induce a prolonged exacerbation of inflammation when injected locally into arthritic rabbit knee joints. The increase in the level of inflammation, measured as the change in joint temperature, was accompanied by an increase in serum Cx-rp levels. Locally administered Cx-rp had no effect on joint swelling. Cx-rp, when injected locally into normal knee joints, had no effect on temperature or swelling. Cx-rp was unable to induce its own synthesis when injected intravenously into normal rabbits. The findings support a role for Cx-rp as a positive modulator of acute inflammation.