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Immunohistochemical analysis of proliferating and antigen-presenting cells in rheumatoid synovial tissue

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Abstract

We analysed the proliferative activity of synovial lining cells (SLCs), the distribution of proliferating B and T lymphocytes and the relationship of proliferating B and T lymphocytes to the pattern of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) within the rheumatoid synovial tissue (n=21). The immunohistochemical detection of the proliferation-associated antigen Ki 67 revealed low proliferative activity of SCL with and without expression of the Kim 8 (CD 68) antigen. Ki 67-positive B lymphocytes could be observed within secondary follicles (2/21), in small follicular dendritic reticulum cell (FDC)-containing follicle-like aggregates (7/21) and near the enlarged synovial intima (6/21). Ki 67-positive T lymphocytes could be detected in T-lymphocyte aaggregates (8/21), in the vicinity of blood vessels (18/21) and within the enlarged synovial intima (15/21). Semiquantitative analysis showed a strong correlation between the numbers of Ki 67-positive B lymphocytes and FDCs and between the numbers of Ki 67-positive T lymphocytes and interdigitating dendritic reticulum cells (IDC). There were significant differences in the number of Ki 67-positive B and T lymphocytes, IDCs and FDCs between the two groups of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with different local clinical activity. These findings demonstrate a low proliferation of SLCs with and without expression of the monocyte-specific antigen Kim 8 and imply that B and T lymphocyte proliferation occurs in the presence of FDCs and IDCs. These results indicate that the RA synovial tissue is a site for antigen-dependent proliferation and maturation of B and T lymphocytes. The atypical pattern of FDC distribution within the rheumatoid synovial tissue “dysmorphic follicle” may be regarded as morphological substrate for a dysmaturation compartment of B lymphocytes leading to pathogenetic autoimmune phenomena in RA patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Pathologie, Universität Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 2, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany

    V. Krenn, N. Schalhorn, A. Greiner, R. Molitoris & H. K. Müller-Hermelink

  2. Orthopädische Universitätsklinik, Brettreichastrasse 11, D-97074, Wurzburg, Germany

    A. König & F. Gohlke

Authors
  1. V. Krenn
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  2. N. Schalhorn
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  3. A. Greiner
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  4. R. Molitoris
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  5. A. König
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  6. F. Gohlke
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  7. H. K. Müller-Hermelink
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This paper is dedicated to Prof. Dr. H. G. Schwarzacher on the occasion of his retirement as head of the Institute of Embryology and Histology University of Vienna, Austria

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Krenn, V., Schalhorn, N., Greiner, A. et al. Immunohistochemical analysis of proliferating and antigen-presenting cells in rheumatoid synovial tissue. Rheumatol Int 15, 239–247 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00290377

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00290377

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