In situ localization of lymphocyte subsets in synovial membranes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis with monoclonal antibodies
Meijer, C.J.; de Graaff-Reitsma, C.B.; Lafeber, G.J.; Cats, A.
Journal of Rheumatology 9(3): 359-365
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0315-162X PMID: 6981702 Document Number: 195334
Immunological analysis of the mononuclear infiltrates in 12 rheumatoid synovial membranes was performed by means of modified peroxidase antiperoxidase technique using a panel of monoclonal antibodies, directed against T cell differentiation antigens and HLA-DR (Ia-like) antigens. Helper/inducer T lymphocytes (OKT4 +, Leu3a+) were found in large numbers in nodular lymphoplasmocellular infiltrates, whereas the number of cytotoxic/suppressor T lymphocytes (OKT8 +m Leu2a+) was very low, resulting in a high T4/T8 or Leu3a/Leu2a ratio (6á14:1). In diffusely localized lymphoplasmocellular infiltrates this ratio was only slightly increased as compared with the peripheral blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (2á4:1). Moreover, most of these T lymphocytes appeared to have Ia-like antigens and seemed to have contact with HLA-DR+, sometimes weakly OKT6+ dendritic nonlymphoid cells. The results showed a constant basic localization pattern of T lymphocyte subsets and suggest that interactions between dendritic nonlymphoid cells, T lymphocyte subsets and B lymphocytes determine the ultimate architecture of the inflammatory infiltrates in the rheumatoid synovial membrane.