Open AccessCharacterization and functional studies of rheumatoid synovial mast cells: Activation by secretagogues, anti‐IgE, and a histamine‐releasing lymphokine
Author(s) -
Gruber Barry,
Poznansky Mark,
Boss Eleonore,
Partin Jacqueline,
Gorevic Peter,
Kaplan Allen P.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780290802
Subject(s) - histamine , mast cell , immunoglobulin e , lymphokine , synovial membrane , histamine h4 receptor , metachromasia , population , connective tissue , immunology , chemistry , pathology , arthritis , medicine , staining , antibody , receptor , antigen , histamine h2 receptor , environmental health , antagonist
Microscopic analysis of synovial specimens from 35 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 7 patients with osteoarthritis revealed mast cell hyperplasia in perivascular regions, in fibrous interstitial areas, and clustered around the periphery of lymphoid aggregates. Metachromatic staining, immunofluorescence studies, and ultrastructural analysis revealed a single population of connective tissue‐type mast cells with surface IgE receptors. Total extractable histamine of synovial tissue was 4.15 ± 2.30 μg/gm (n = 8) for RA synovium and 0.53 ± 0.23 μg/gm (n = 7) for OA synovium. Mast cell secretion was assessed and specific release of histamine from RA synovial mast cells was observed following stimulation with anti‐IgE (32.3%), compound 48/80 (40.1%), calcium ionophore A23187 (25.2%), and a partially purified lymphokine with histamine‐releasing activity (23.9%).