Fig. 2

Effects of C.sinensis infection on the development of CIA in BALB/c Mice. a-c Representative images of arthritic limbs at day 39. a normal control mice, (b) CIA mice, (c) CIA and C.sinensis infection mice showing severe redness and swelling in both hind paws. d-f Images are H&E staining of ankle joints of mice. d normal control mice, (e) CIA mice, (f) CIA and C.sinensis infection mice showing inflammatory infiltration, synovial hyperplasia,pannus formation and the destruction of joints. g-i Images are masson staing of ankle joints of mice. g Normal control mice, (h) CIA mice, (i) CIA and C.sinensis infection mice showing the proliferation of collagen fibers and cartilage destruction. j-k Data show the thickness of ankle joints and the total score of four limbs after CII immunization (n = 5/group). Asterisks mark statistically significant difference (*P < 0.05,**P < 0.01)