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Characterization of human synovial mast cells
J A Kopicky-Burd1, A Kagey-Sobotka, S P Peters
1Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics, Baltimore, MD.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Mast cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) synovium are morphologically and functionally similar to those in the lung and intestine. These mast cells release histamine, PGD2, and LTC4, suggesting a pathogenic role in RA and OA.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are chronic joint diseases characterized by inflammation.
- Mast cells are immune cells implicated in inflammatory processes.
- The specific role and characteristics of mast cells within the human synovium in RA and OA remain to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the morphology, content, and function of mast cells in human synovial tissue from patients with RA and OA.
- To compare synovial mast cells with mast cells from other human tissues (lung, intestine).
- To investigate the potential pathogenic role of mast cells in RA and OA.
Main Methods:
- Histological and electron microscopic examination of human synovial tissue.
- Isolation and functional assessment of mast cell suspensions.
- Measurement of histamine, prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) release upon stimulation.
- Evaluation of the effects of various drugs (Auranofin, gold sodium thiomalate, cromolyn, indomethacin, theophylline) on mast cell mediator release.
Main Results:
- Significant numbers of mast cells were found in both RA and OA synovium.
- Synovial mast cells exhibited morphologic and functional similarities to mast cells from human lung and intestine.
- Mast cells released histamine, PGD2, and LTC4 in response to anti-immunoglobulin E (anti-IgE) and calcium ionophore.
- Auranofin effectively inhibited the release of histamine, PGD2, and LTC4, while other tested agents showed limited or no effect.
- Theophylline inhibited histamine release only at high concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Human synovial mast cells do not exhibit significant functional or morphologic heterogeneity compared to mast cells from other tissues.
- Mast cells likely play a pathogenic role in the inflammatory processes of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.