Expression of ferritin, transferrin receptor, and non-specific resistance associated macrophage proteins 1 and 2 (Nramp1 and Nramp2) in the human rheumatoid synovium.
OBJECTIVE
To gain a better understanding of how iron accumulates in human rheumatoid synovium.


METHODS
The distribution of ferritin, transferrin receptor, and non-specific resistance associated macrophage proteins 1 and 2 (Nramp1 and Nramp2) in the human rheumatoid synovium was investigated by immunocytochemistry and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).


RESULTS
Both heavy and light ferritin subunit types were detected in the lining layer and the subinitimal zone of rheumatoid synovium, heavy ferritin generally being more abundant than light. Both heavy and light ferritin were detected in isolated synovial macrophages and fibroblasts. Transferrin receptor expression was largely confined to fibroblasts of the synovial lining layer. Nramp2 was detected by PCR in both isolated synovial macrophages and fibroblasts, whereas Nramp1 was detected by PCR and immunocytochemistry in macrophages and neutrophils in the lining and subinitimal zone, and in inflammatory infiltrates, but was absent from fibroblasts.


CONCLUSIONS
A complex chain of events, perhaps initiated by proinflammatory cytokines, may culminate in a toxic build up of iron in the rheumatoid joint.
Telfer
J F
JF
Department of Immunology and Bacteriology, University of Glasgow, UK. telferjoan@hotmail.com
Brock
J H
JH
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000378:metabolism*; D027682:Cation Transport Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005293:Ferritins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006485:Hemosiderin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D033862:Iron-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008264:Macrophages; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000378:metabolism; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin / Q000378:metabolism*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D000099173:Natural Resistance-associated Macrophage Protein 1; D000099236:Solute Carrier Family 11, Member 2
D027682:Cation Transport Proteins; D005293:Ferritins; D006485:Hemosiderin; D033862:Iron-Binding Proteins; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin; D000099173:Natural Resistance-associated Macrophage Protein 1; D000099236:Solute Carrier Family 11, Member 2