Strong LFA-1 and VCAM-1 expression in histological type II of rheumatoid arthritis

With an own histological classification of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in synovial membranes (SM) of two main types: type I (B-lymphocytic and plasma cellular, local non-destructive, better prognosis); type II (T-lymphocytic, macrophacytic, local destructive, worse prognosis) and type III as a mixed one we examined whether there is a relation between special adhesion molecules and any of this histological types. 32 fresh cryo-conserved RA-SM (type I, II, III; n = 9, 11, 12, respectively) were investigated immunohistochemically using the APAAP method in order to obtain the expression of LFA-1, VCAM-1, CD44 and E-selectin. Positive cells were counted morphometrically within six histological areas: lining layer, subintimal, perivascular, lymphatic follicles, perifollicular and interstitial. Type II showed a significant higher expression than type I for LFA-1 in lining layer and subintimal II (65%; 53% vs 0%; 32%); for VCAM-1 in subintimal, perifollicular, perivascular and interstitial areas (61%, 54%, 58%, 61% vs 6%, 8%, 5%, 6%). In lining layer and lymphatic follicles no significant difference between both types was detected. CD44 and E-selectin: No statistical differences could be found. RA-SM type II shows high expression of LFA-1 and VCAM-1, this is related to a higher destructive process.