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For the induction of arthropathy, 5% hydrogen peroxide(H_2O_2) was injected for 5 weeks into the intraarticular space of the New Zealand white rabbits to damage articular cartilage. Alginic acid of low molecular weight (2%) made from macromolecular alginate treated with enzyme was administered into articular space at the dose of 5 ㎎/㎏ twice a week for 3 and 6 weeks using 1 ㎖ syringe and 26 G needle. Saline was injected for the control. Tissues surrounding the articulation were obtained for the measurements of superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity as a major antioxidant enzyme and malondialdehyde(MDA) as a lipid peroxidation level. Histopathologic examination on the surface of articular cartilage was carried out. Data showed that injection of hydorgen peroxide for 5 weeks had led to the induction of free radical damage and of articular cartilage change as confirmed by microscopic observation. The application of hydorgen peroxide caused a gradual increase in the SODs and MDA. These patterns were similar after 3 and 6 weeks of alginate treatment. Furthermore, microscopic examinations revealed that hydrogen peroxide caused flaking, fibrillation, fissuring, denudation, and hypocellularity in the articular surfaces. In conclusion, lipid peroxidation was demonstrated in the articular cartilage by the administration of hydrogen peroxide in the rabbit model. This lipid peroxidation could be cause by oxygen free radicals. The histologic and enzymatic correlations on lipid peroxidation in the articulation have provided a better understanding of arthropathy. It is possible to take advantage of these findings to evaluate effective alginate dosage more efficiently.
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