Distribution of CD45RA and CD45RO T-lymphocyte subsets in rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue.
We have characterized the lymphocytes in the synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies directed against B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, and antibodies directed against CD45RA and CD45RO, which define T-cell subsets. Both CD45RA+ and CD45RO+ T lymphocytes were detected in the perivascular regions. CD45RA+ lymphocytes were present primarily in perivascular areas of moderate to large lymphocytic infiltration. Some synovial perivascular lymphocytic aggregates were organized into focal areas of CD45RA+ B lymphocytes surrounded by CD45RO+ T lymphocytes. In areas of diffuse lymphocytic infiltration, the T lymphocytes were CD45RO+. These data suggest that both CD45RO+ and CD45RA+ T lymphocytes enter the RA synovial tissue via the synovial vasculature and that, once in the tissue, the CD45RA+ T lymphocytes may undergo activation/maturation and acquire the CD45RO phenotype.
Koch
A E
AE
Department of Medicine, Northwestern Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611.
Robinson
P G
PG
Radosevich
J A
JA
Pope
R M
RM
D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000032:analysis*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000737:chemistry*
D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens