A Histochemical Study on Leucinoaminopeptidase Activity in the Synovial Membrane of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Abstract
The localization of leucinoaminopeptidase (LAP) in the synovial membrane, tenosynovial and pannus tissue, and adjoining articular cartilage of patients with rheumatoid arthritis was studied by histochemical method. The LAP activity occurred in cases of rheumatoid arthritis more strongly than in corresponding, normal control specimens. The occurrence of LAP in areas of cartilage erosion adjacent to the pannus tissue may indicate that LAP is involved in the pathogenesis of cartilage erosion. The presence of LAP in rheumatoid arthritis is compared to its appearance in malignant neoplasms.