Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS:
TGF-alpha protein was immunodetected in knee synovial fluid (SF) collected from 23 RA patients, eight patients with other arthritic conditions, two osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and six post-traumatic patients (control). TGF-alpha mRNA and TGF-alpha, ErbB2, EGFR, and CD68 immunoreactivity were detected in knee synovial biopsies (6 RA/2 OA/6 control) using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. TGF-alpha mRNA was determined in SF cells by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and/or the Northern blot technique. RESULTS:
TGF-alpha protein was found in the synovial membrane (SM) and in the majority of SF samples. TGF-alpha levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in SF of RA patients than controls, TGF-alpha protein and mRNA were increased and more widespread in SM of RA patients. In addition, white blood cells collected from RA SF expressed TGF-alpha mRNA. Immunoreactivity for ErbB2 was found in SM and was more widespread in RA patients than in controls. CONCLUSION: The presence of TGF-alpha in normal SF and SM may indicate a physiological maintenance function. The increased expression of TGF-alpha and ErbB2 in RA SF and SM may give rise to an abnormal growth pattern, contributing to inflammatory synovial hyperplasia.
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Authors | A L Hallbeck, T M Walz, K Briheim, A Wasteson |
Journal | Scandinavian journal of rheumatology
(Scand J Rheumatol)
2005 May-Jun
Vol. 34
Issue 3
Pg. 204-11
ISSN: 0300-9742 [Print] England |
PMID | 16134726
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- RNA, Messenger
- Transforming Growth Factor alpha
- Receptor, ErbB-2
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Topics |
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid
(metabolism)
- Female
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- In Situ Hybridization
- Leukocytes
(metabolism, pathology)
- Male
- Osteoarthritis, Knee
(metabolism)
- RNA, Messenger
(metabolism)
- Receptor, ErbB-2
(metabolism)
- Synovial Fluid
(cytology, metabolism)
- Synovial Membrane
(metabolism, pathology)
- Transforming Growth Factor alpha
(genetics, metabolism)
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