The correlation between arthroscopic observations and histologic changes in rheumatoid arthritis is still controversial. Synovial samples of 21 knee joints in rheumatoid arthritis patients were comparatively investigated by endoscopy and histology. Biopsies were scored by an endoscopist and subsequently dissected. Different histochemical and immunocytochemical staining techniques were used to define inflammatory activity. Arthroscopic and histological values were compared by rating scales and variance analysis. Our study indicates that synovial biopsy is of diagnostic value in rheumatoid arthritis. However, its usefulness depends on the histochemical methods used. The results revealed highly significant correlations of endoscopic features with the number of neutrophilic granulocytes, intravascular leukocytes, and peroxidase-positive macrophages. However, no relationship was found between the detection of lymphocytes or resident macrophages and inflammatory scores. The close correlation between endoscopic and histological findings suggests that arthroscopic evaluation allows a valuable classification of the inflammatory activity in rheumatoid synovitis.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Differences in condition between the anterior and posterior cruciate ligament in rheumatoid arthritis].

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) we examined the cruciate ligaments of 16 patients by the use of light- and transmission electron microscopy. Considerable differences between the anterior (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) were observed. The ACL showed dramatic ultrastructural changes, against that the PCL was compact and well conserved. The preservation of PCL in joint surgery can morphologically be recommended. Perhaps the greater inflammatory process on the surface of ACL is responsible for the observed differences.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Binding studies with Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA-I) of the vascular endothelium of the synovial membrane].

The lectin binding sites of the synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis were investigated. It was shown that Ulex europaeus agglutinin is a constant marker of the vascular endothelium and is not induced during the course of inflammatory process in rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Effect of different media on long-term cultivation of human synovial macrophages].

Cells of rheumatoid synovial tissue were bred in dispersion culture. In order to investigate the influence of three different culture media on the maturation and vitality of synovio-macrophages, Ham F10 (+fetal calf serum) and RPMI 1640 (+pooled AB Rh+ human serum) were compared with the serum- and cytokin-free solution AIM V. Combining light microscopic, transmission electron, and scanning electron microscopic methods (backscatter-mode), the enzyme and antibody features of synoviocytes were detected. The ratio of macrophages were determined in the light microscope by marking with CD 14. The functional maturation was shown by the amboceptor test. This study demonstrates that RPMI 1640 (+AB Rh+ human serum) is favorable for cultivating human synoviomacrophages. Under serum-free conditions AIM V is especially appropriate.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Morphometric study of the myocardial T-+L-system under the influence of the beta-adrenergic agent fenoterol].

In order to evaluate possible cardiotoxic properties of the beta adrenergic agent fenoterol, the effect of fenoterol alone and in combination with verapamil and prednisolone respectively was examined regarding the myocardial T- and L-system of 54 female rabbits. Five study groups and one control group measured the width morphometrically of the T- and L-system in electronmicroscopical pictures of the myocardium after treating the animals accordingly. A relevant dilatation of the T- and L-system was not found in this study, neither by morphological evaluation of the electron-microscopical pictures, nor in the morphometric-statistical analysis of the measurements in both experimental and control groups. Therefore, no pathological effects concerning the width of the T- and L-system could be found by applying fenoterol alone or in combination with the calcium antagonist verapamil and prednisolone respectively for tocolytic purposes.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Morphology of synovial cells of the human in organ and explant cultures].

Biopsy material of synovial tissue was taken from 36 patients (with arthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic and unaffected joints). Cell and tissue cultures, as well as cells dissociated by enzymes, were investigated by light microscopy (LM), immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. Synovial A-cells were endowed with all morphological characteristics of phagocytic capacity but lacking the peroxidase reaction. In contrast to the monocytes, they were not immunostained by OKM-1 antibodies. The A-cells could be observed in subsequent in vitro growth for up to 2 weeks. In addition to B-cells, a third cell type was identified. This cell type had the morphological characteristics of a dendritic cell and was glass and plastic adherent. It can be referred to also as a stellate cell. We assume that these stellate cells represent modified synovial fibroblasts.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Cardiotoxicity of fenoterol - ultramorphologic and morphometric studies of the rabbit myocardium].

Beta-sympathomimetic drugs in large doses can induce necrosis of the myocardium, according to animal-experimental studies mainly with isoproterenol. In the instance of its broad clinical application in tocolysis a possible cardiotoxic effect of fenoterol has also been discussed. It was interesting to study the ultramorphologic effects of fenoterol on rabbit myocardium after a ten-day-application period. These tests revealed no myocardial-toxic alterations after monotherapy or in combination with verapamil or prednisolone (applying therapy-equivalent doses); a morphometric-statistical analysis confirmed these findings.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗