[Leukocyte agglomeration in synovial fluid]

The agglomeration of leucocytes serves as evidence of leucocytic activation. In rheumatoid arthritis it can be used as a very sensitive criterion of activity. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis with joint effusions showed a high agglomeration of leucocytes in 97%, i.e. a clear activation of leucocytes. In 74.3% the number of punctate leucocyte agglomerated increased. Punctates with a proof of a spontaneous agglomeration of leucocytes showed the most intensive inclination to agglomeration also after incubation. By synovial fluid normal but also leucergic granulocytes could be stimulated to increased agglomeration to leucocytes. In the synovial fluid also factors stimulating the agglomeration of leucocytes are found. They probably come from punctate granulocytes and stimulate also the chemotaxis and activation of the blood granulocytes. Since granulocytes essentially participate in the inflammatory reaction of the rheumatoid arthritis and in the joint destruction evoked by it, the therapeutic aspect should be directed also to the inhibition of such leucocyte-activating factors in the synovia.