Ultrastructure of normal rat synovial membrane.

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Abstract
Two types of cells can be detected in the rat synovium. The Type A cell is characterized by a prominent Golgi system, many smooth ves-icles, and large vacuoles, while the Type B cell contains abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum. Type B cells were of infrequent occurence but many intermediate forms showing features of both types of cells were frequently seen. In contrast to the cells of the synovial membrane of other species, the cells of rat synovium form a more or less continuous layer facing the joint cavity. The adjacent cell walls show many inva-ginations and also structures resembling tight junctions and desmosomes. The synovial matrix contained mainly banded collagen in the deepest zone while the middle zone showed many aperiodic fibers and granular material. Only an occasional small pocket of granular matrix is found in the superficial zone of the synovium.

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