Abnormalities of the epiphyseal growth plate that occur in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were studied. CIA was induced in 6-week-old Lewis rats by immunization with type II collagen. Radiographic examination revealed the early closure of the epiphyseal growth plate with growth retardation of the femur and tibia. Histological evaluation confirmed the early closure of the epiphyseal growth plate accompanied by decreased intensity of safranin-O staining indicating decreased amounts of proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the cartilage. Immunohistochemical methods showed that the number of chondrocytes expressing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and/or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increased in the growth plates of CIA rats. This study confirmed that disturbances of long bone growth with early closure of the epiphyseal growth plates occur in CIA. There appeared to be overexpression of MMP-3, which may be involved with proteoglycan degradation. Additionally, VEGF, which is associated with cartilage ossification and angiogenesis, might also play a role in this event. Further clarification of the mechanism of the growth disturbance in CIA may yield clinical benefits, especially in prevention of the premature closure of growth plate that is seen in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases.