The role of macrophages in chronic arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by a mononuclear infiltrate in the synovial tissue of the affected joints, considerable thickening of the synovial lining layer and concomitant destruction of cartilage and bone. Macrophages probably play a central role and the contribution of the synovial lining macrophages is addressed in studies in experimental murine arthritis models. Emphasis is given to the involvement in arthritis expression and cartilage destruction. The role of TNF-alpha and IL-1, and the modulatory cytokines IL-4/ IL-10 is briefly discussed.
van den Berg
W B
WB
Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
van Lent
P L
PL
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology