IRAP

One of the major inducers of osteoarthritis is the inflammatory cytokine Interleukin - 1(IL-1) which plays a key role in accelerating tissue destruction and the repair mechanisms. In a healthy joint, IL-1 and interleukin -1 receptor antagonist (IL-1lRa) are in balanced concentrations. In cases of osteoarthritis, there is not sufficient IL-1 lRa produced to block the damage caused by increased IL-1. The result is inflammation, joint pain, and finally cartilage destruction. The procedure begins with drawing blood from the horse that will be treated with IRAP into a syringe. The syringe is specially prepared with glass beads that stimulate production of the antagonist protein and an anticoagulant. The blood is harvested, incubated and centrifuged to separate the plasma (abundant with IRAP) from the blood, then the obtained substance is injected into the affected joints. This can be done as often as needed and depends on the individual horse and the individual reason to its use. There is no foreign substance introduced, so healing is natural but multiplied by concentrating the IRAP into the affected joint.