Polymorphonuclear granulocytes in rheumatic tissue destruction. III. an electron microscopic study of PMNs at the pannus-cartilage junction in rheumatoid arthritis. Issue 4 (August 1981)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mohr, W; Westerhellweg, H; Wessinghage, D
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 40:Issue 4(1981)
• Page Start: 396
• Page End: 399
• Publication Date: 1981-08
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/ard.40.4.396
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Metatarsophalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints from 3 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were investigated electron microscopically with regard to the occurrence of polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs) at the pannus-cartilage junction. In all 3 cases PMNs could be detected at the junction and within the cartilaginous matrix. PMN cytoplasmic processes surrounded collagenous islands in the cartilage. From the morphological findings it is deduced that PMNs are cells capable of destroying cartilage in inflammatory joint diseases, in particular in rheumatoid arthritis.