Synovial giant cells in rheumatoid arthritis: expression of cystatin C, but not of cathepsin B

Exp Toxicol Pathol. 2000 Aug;52(4):312-6. doi: 10.1016/S0940-2993(00)80055-X.

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the expression of the matrix degrading proteinase cathepsin B and its endogenous inhibitor cystatin C in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with special regard to multinucleated synovial giant cells (SGC). We applied an immunohistochemical double-labeling technique. SGC strongly expressed cystatin C and CD68, but were negative for cathepsin B. This staining pattern occurred in osteoclasts as well. Our findings support the idea that in RA matrix destruction by cathepsin B is not mediated by SGC or osteoclasts, but by mononuclear synoviocytes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / physiopathology*
  • Cathepsin B / analysis
  • Cathepsin B / biosynthesis
  • Cystatin C
  • Cystatins / analysis
  • Cystatins / biosynthesis*
  • Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors / analysis
  • Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors / biosynthesis*
  • Giant Cells / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Synovial Fluid / cytology

Substances

  • CST3 protein, human
  • Cystatin C
  • Cystatins
  • Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors
  • Cathepsin B