Objective To investigate the expression of discoidin domain receptor 2 （DDR2） of fibroblast-like synovial cells in im- proved adjuvant-induced animal （AIA） model for rheumatoid arthritis （RA） and to provide evidence for DDR2’s antagonist use clinically. Methods AIA was modified by administrating 0.1 mL of complete Freund’s adjuvant （CFA

mixed with 5 mg Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine/mL） into rats’ right hind paws and 0.125 mL tumor necrosis factor-α （2 U/mL） into right ankles and subpatellar fatty tissue. The expression of DDR2 in fibroblast-like synovial cells was assessed using immunohistochemistry

immunofluorescence histochemistry

and in situ hybridization methods. Levels of anti-collagen II antibody were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Given the terms mentioned above

we found a more practical rat model

apparently decreasing immunization time （average 3-5 days）. DDR2 can be detected upon the 15th day of immunization; expression gradually increased with time going on

and reaching a peak 35 days after immunization before gradually decreasing. Serum anti-collagen II antibody showed similar expression patterns as DDR2

but reached peak later than DDR2

about 40 days after immunization. Conclusion Regular expression of DDR2 in animal models infers its important role in the pathological process of RA.