Changes in 35S-sulphate uptake in different tissues in the knee and hip regions of rabbits during immobilization, remobilization the development of osteoarthritis.

In order to observe phenomena accompanying the development of osteoarthritis of the rabbit knee, consistently appearing within 4-6 weeks as a consequence ofimmobilization of this joint, studies on 35S-sulphate (Na2 35SO4) uptake were carried out. The investigation suggests that immobilization of the knee leads within 2-4 weeks to increased sulphate uptake in bone, cartilage and ligaments in the knee region and in the hip (not immobilized) of the same leg. The first marked changes in 35S-sulphate uptake were found in the ligaments and the articular cartilage as early as after 4 days of immobilization.