Palisading cells of rheumatoid nodules: comparison with synovial intimal cells. Issue 11 (November 1993)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Edwards, J C; Wilkinson, L S; Pitsillides, A A
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 52:Issue 11(1993)
• Page Start: 801
• Page End: 805
• Publication Date: 1993-11
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/ard.52.11.801
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVES--The palisading cells of rheumatoid nodules share certain features with synovial intimal cells. The similarities between the two cell populations have been reassessed using new cytochemical markers. METHODS--Cell populations in cryostat sections of non-inflamed, rheumatoid and osteoarthritic synovial tissues, and rheumatoid nodules were assessed for the presence of CD68, prolyl hydroxylase, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and the alpha 4 and beta 1 integrin chains, and the activity of uridine diphosphoglucose dehydrogenase (UDPGD) and nonspecific esterase. RESULTS--Synovial intimal cells formed a dual population of macrophages (nonspecific esterase positive, strongly positive for CD68) and fibroblastic cells (prolyl hydroxylase positive). The latter showed prominent VCAM-1 expression and high UDPGD activity as previously reported and also prominent beta 1 integrin chain expression. Palisading cells similarly proved to be a dual population of macrophages and fibroblastic cells. In contrast with synovial intima, however, the fibroblastic cells lacked UDPGD activity and expression of VCAM-1 and showed no preferential expression of the beta 1 integrin chain. The exception to this rule was where nodules contained central clefts, which were lined with cells showing all the features associated with synovial intimal cells. CONCLUSION--Palisading cells are a mixture of macrophages and fibroblasts, but the latter show no evidence of synoviocyte differentiation. Cells with features of synoviocytes may occur lining clefts within areas of necrobiosis.