[Detection of endotoxin in synovial tissue of patients with inflammatory-rheumatic diseases]

The etiology of inflammatory rheumatic diseases is unknown. The hypothesis, that bacteriae may play a part in the induction of a rheumatic synovialitis is further substantiated by the detection of Endotoxin (Lipid A) in the synovial membranes of five of eleven patients with early synovitis (disease duration shorter than 6 months) by using anti Lipid A monoclonal antibodies. Endotoxin (Lipid A) is a component of gram-negative bacteriae and Chlamydiae. It is a potent immunogen, and could be the link between infection of the gut or the urogenital system and the rheumatic synovialitis.