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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
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Flow Cytometry Analysis of Immune Cell Subsets within the Murine Spleen, Bone Marrow, Lymph Nodes and Synovial Tissue in an Osteoarthritis Model
Published on: April 24, 2020
Soluble oligonucleosomal complexes in synovial fluid from inflamed joints
D Yu1, P M Rumore, Q Liu
1State University of New York at Stony Brook, 11794-8161, USA.
Arthritis and Rheumatism
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Inflamed joints contain soluble oligonucleosomal DNA from apoptotic neutrophils. This DNA may contribute to inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid synovitis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Inflammatory joint diseases are characterized by complex cellular and molecular events.
- Apoptotic cell death is a regulated process that releases cellular components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and significance of soluble oligonucleosomal DNA in synovial fluid from inflamed joints.
- To determine if this DNA is associated with disease pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of synovial fluid from patients with inflammatory disorders and osteoarthritis.
- Quantification of DNA and its oligonucleosomal fraction using microfluorometry and radiolabeling techniques.
- Detection of histone binding to DNA via immunoprecipitation.
Main Results:
- Oligonucleosomal DNA, indicative of apoptosis, was detected in most synovial fluid samples from inflamed joints.
- Concentrations of oligonucleosomal DNA were significantly higher in inflamed joints compared to osteoarthritic joints.
- DNA concentrations correlated with synovial fluid leukocyte counts, primarily neutrophils.
Conclusions:
- Synovial fluid from inflamed joints contains oligonucleosomal DNA, likely originating from apoptotic neutrophils.
- The detected concentrations suggest potential pathophysiologic roles, including lymphoproliferation and cytokine stimulation.
- Oligonucleosomal DNA may perpetuate rheumatoid synovitis and contribute to other inflammatory disorders.
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