[Chondronecrosis induced in rhesus monkeys fed with grains and water of Kaschin-Beck's disease endemic area].

Immature Rhesus monkeys were fed with grains and/or water of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) endemic area for 6 or 18 months. Multifocal and zonal chondronecrosis and a series of secondary reactions following necrosis were found in articular cartilage and growth plate in most of the monkeys. These changes are very similar to the characteristics of human KBD. The results suggest that growing Rhesus monkey should be the susceptible animal for reproduction of chondronecrosis model of KBD and the articular cartilage of greater trochanter proximal to femur is a portion predisposing to cartilage lesions. The experiment also indicated that pathogenic factor resulting in chondronecrosis is still remaining in water and grains of endemic area, though the area is no longer actively endemic for KBD.