Related Experiment Videos
Membrane attack complex of complement in rheumatoid synovial tissue demonstrated by immunofluorescent microscopy
The Journal of Rheumatology
|December 1, 1986
Summary
Terminal complement pathway activation, indicated by C9 neoantigen, was found in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis synovial membranes. This suggests a role for complement in these joint diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Synovial membranes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are sites of inflammation.
- The terminal complement pathway is a key component of the immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate evidence of terminal complement pathway activation in synovial membranes from patients with RA and OA.
- To determine if C9 neoantigen is present in these joint tissues.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescent microscopy was used to detect C9 neoantigen.
- Synovial membrane specimens from patients with RA, psoriatic arthritis, and OA were analyzed.
Main Results:
- C9 neoantigen was detected in 3 out of 4 rheumatoid arthritis synovial membranes.
- C9 neoantigen was also found in one psoriatic arthritis and one osteoarthritis synovial membrane.
Conclusions:
- Terminal complement pathway activation, specifically via C9, occurs in a subset of rheumatoid arthritis synovial membranes.
- These findings add to the understanding of immunologic events in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis.