Histaminergic H1, serotoninergic, beta adrenergic and dopaminergic receptors in human osteoarthritic cartilage

Using radioligand binding assays, histaminergic H1, serotoninergic, dopaminergic and Beta adrenergic receptors were studied in human normal and osteoarthritic cartilage. The four studied receptors were present in normal cartilage; serotoninergic, dopaminergic and Beta adrenergic receptors were significantly increased in osteoarthritic cartilage while histaminergic H1 receptors were significantly increased only in osteophytic cartilage. The results are consistent with a non specific activation of osteoarthritic chondrocytes.