Synovial lymphocyte response to chlamydial stimulation associated with intrasynovial chlamydial antigen in a patient with "rheumatoid arthritis".
A 48-year-old man with "rheumatoid arthritis" of 3 years duration was found to have synovial fluid lymphocytes that were maximally stimulated in vitro by chlamydial antigen, on 5 of 6 tests over 18 months. Immunocytochemical staining of a synovectomy specimen, using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique, subsequently revealed chlamydial antigen in the synovium. The possibility that Chlamydia in the synovium may produce features of rheumatoid arthritis is discussed.
Ford
D K
DK
Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Reid
G D
GD
Magge
S
S
Schumacher
H R
HR
D000293:Adolescent; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D016918:Arthritis, Reactive / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D002689:Chlamydia / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000166:cytology*; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure
D000956:Antigens, Viral