The Prevalence and Distribution of Macrophages Bearing FcγR I, FcγR II, and FcγR III in Synovium

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Abstract
Fc-receptors for IgG (FcγR) are important triggers of effector function in macrophages. We have investigated the distribution of cells bearing FcγR 1, FcγR II, and FcγR III in 14 synovia and 3 nodules from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, using monoclonal antibodies on serial cryostat sections. 8 osteoarthritis (OA), 2 ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and one sarcoid patient were also studied. Significant numbers of macrophages bearing FcγR were present in inflamed synovial tissue with no significant difference in relative frequency between RA and OA. There was no correlation with the degree of lymphocytic infiltration. Distinctive staining patterns for the three Fc-receptors suggest differential regulation of these molecules on macrophages in synovium.