Related Experiment Videos
[Electron-microscopic demonstration of virus-like structures in the synovial membrane in chronic progressive
Abstract:
The recent demonstration of ultramicroscopic "virus-like" cell inclusions in various organs in patients with collagen and autoimmune diseases suggest that viruses may play an aetiological role in these diseases. This paper reports briefly on some of the evidence for such "virus-like" structures in different cells of the synovial membrane from two patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The inclusions were localised in the vaculoes of the endoplasmatic reticulum of endothelial cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, fibroblasts and perithelial cells. They appear as tubular bodies of approximately 250 A. diameter. The tubules join together so that they form a 3-dimensional network. The possible viral or non-viral nature of these inclusions is discussed. A ultramicroscopical resemblance to the RNA-containing paramyxo-viruses suggests their virus nature. However, the negative results in testing with serum antibodies and immunofluorescence techniques argue against this. The authors suggest that the demonstration of these inclusions in other than collagen diseases points more in the direction of the correlation of these inclusions with immune globulin synthesis rather than the presence of a virus.
Insights
Ultramicroscopic cell inclusions found in rheumatoid arthritis patients may not be viruses. These structures, observed in synovial membranes, are more likely linked to immune globulin synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Collagen and autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, have shown "virus-like" cell inclusions.
- These inclusions have been observed in various organs, suggesting a potential viral etiological role.
Purpose:
- To investigate the nature of "virus-like" inclusions found in the synovial membrane cells of rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- To discuss the evidence for and against a viral origin of these inclusions.
Summary:
- Ultramicroscopic, tubular inclusions (approx. 250 Å diameter) forming a 3D network were identified within the endoplasmic reticulum vacuoles of endothelial cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, fibroblasts, and perithelial cells in two rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- While exhibiting ultramicroscopical resemblance to paramyxoviruses, negative results from serum antibody and immunofluorescence tests argue against a viral etiology.
- The authors propose that these inclusions are more strongly correlated with immune globulin synthesis, especially given their presence in non-collagen diseases.
Impact:
- Challenges the viral hypothesis in certain autoimmune diseases.
- Suggests a potential link between cellular inclusions and immune globulin synthesis pathways.
- Highlights the need for further research into the non-viral nature of these structures in autoimmune conditions.