The distribution of S-100 protein positive chondrocytes in the human articular cartilages under aging or diseased conditions
Sugimoto, S.; Kusuzaki, K.; Takeshita, H.; Kuzuhara, A.; Tsuji, Y.; Yamashita, F.; Hirasawa, Y.; Ashihara, T.
Nihon Seikeigeka Gakkai Zasshi 65(10): 902-908
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-5325 PMID: 1770259 Document Number: 375925
There have been few reports on the localization of S-100 protein positive chondrocytes in the human articular cartilages. We studied 59 articular cartilages of the aged subjects, 65 osteoarthritic (OA) and 39 rheumatoid arthritic (RA) articular cartilages, to detect the histological localization of S-100 protein using immunoperoxidase method (ABC). The results obtained from normal cartilages demonstrated strongly positive cells representing hypertrophic chondrocytes in the perivascular areas of the neonatal articular cartilage and in the deep zone of the infant articular cartilage. The moderately positive cells were found in the intermediate zone of infant and adult articular cartilages. In mild OA, there were many positive chondrocytes in the intermediate zone with erosion of the surface layer, while in moderate or severe OA many strongly positive cells were found in clusters. The hypertrophic cells in the metaplastic cartilage arising from bone marrow in subjects with severe OA, or from pannus after RA were also positive. It is therefore, suggested that S-100 protein may be correlated with the metabolic activity of the cartilage matrix such as collagen and proteoglycan, as reported in the literature. S-100 protein further, appears to be useful for evaluating histologically the activity of cartilage repair in the pathologic human articular cartilages.