Arthritis can be induced in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by injecting adjuvants and/or antigens into the articular space. Genetics are an important factor influencing arthritis symptoms. For example, the C57Bl/6 strain of mouse is resistant to collagen II induced polyarticular arthritis and the DBA/1 mouse strain is sensitive. Objective: Here we tested a protocol to induce arthritis localized to the TMJ in the arthritically sensitive DBA/1 strain using complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and collagen II (CII). Methods: For these experiments we sensitized the animals by subcutaneously injecting a homogenate of CFA and CII in the head region every six days. Following three subcutaneous injections over a period of 18 days the mice were given an injection of the same homogenate directly into the TMJ intraarticular joint space. Control animals received no injections. Food intake and body weight were recorded throughout the experiment. Animals were sacrificed following the final injection and blood plasma, the retrodiscal tissue as well as the trigeminal ganglia were isolated. IL-1β levels were quantitated in the retrodiscal tissues by ELISA. Results: After three subcutaneous injections of CFA and CII no significant decrease in food intake or body weight was detected until 2 days after the third injection. In contrast, a single injection of the homogenate into the TMJ of animals that had previously received three subcutaneous injections did lead to a significant decrease in food intake and body weight. Moreover, IL-1β levels increased in the retrodiscal tissue of injected animals in comparison to controls. Conclusions: The results suggest that acute TMJ arthritic symptoms can be initiated by a homogenate of CFA and CII in the DBA/1 strain of mouse using this protocol. We would like to thank NIH/NIDCR for their funding support DE07188, DE016059, DE015372 and the Baylor Oral Health Foundation.