HISTOCHEMICAL ENZYMATIC DEMONSTRATION OF IMMUNOGLOBULINS IN THE JOINT CAPSULES OF RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS AND OSTEOARTHRITIS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 39  (9-10) , 331-342
Abstract
In rheumatoid arthritis, immunoglobulins are detectable in joint capsules within the subsynovial space and in superficial cell layers in significantly greater frequency compared to osteoarthritis. These extravascular immunoglobulins were demonstrated in good agreement by a 3-step immunoperoxidase technique and a 2-step alkaline phosphatase technique, the former being preferable because of reduced unspecific background staining. Both techniques are at least as sensitive as conventional immunofluorescence, while also histologically evaluating the entire joint capsule. Detection of extravascular immunoglobulins can be related to their activity as mediators of inflammation. Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of superficial cells and stromal proliferation could be consequences of immunoglobulins are immune complexes persisting in the joint capsule. These histochemical techniques are suitable to morphologically distinguish osteoarthritis from chronic polyarthritis in human histological sections. The presence of immunoglobulins in superificial cell layers and/or extravascular spaces suggested rheumatoid arthritis.