bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary experience with cell culture of human articular chondrocytes
Authors: Srivastava Vishwa M. L. , Malemud Charles J. , Hough Aubrey J. , Bland John H. , Sokoloff Leon
Published: February 2007

Articular Chondrocytes from 14 human amputation specimens were grown in monolayer culture. The joint cartilages appeared normal grossly. The ages of the patients ranged from 13 to 62 years. The cells grew slowly and did not thrive in subculture. Vitamin C increased DNA synthesis by the Chondrocytes but decreased incorporation of radiosulfate into mucopolysaccharides. Whole articular cartilage from a 30 year old man showed a great heterogeneity of mucopolysaccharides. In addition to the expected chondroitin sulfates 4 and 6 and keratan sulfate, appreciable quantities of hyaluronate, chondroitin, disulfated chondroitin and dermatan sulfate were found (4.0%, 1.5%, 25.5% and 1.3% of the total mucopolysaccharides respectively). The same compounds were secreted into the medium by the cultured Chondrocytes but in distorted proportions. These and other findings differ greatly from those obtained with rabbit Chondrocytes which grow readily under the same conditions and recapitulate quite faithfully the mucopolysaccharide synthesis occurring in whole cartilage.
Bacteriolytic and bactericidal activity of sera and synovial fluids in rheumatoid arthritis and in osteoarthritis
Authors: Pruzanski W. , Leers W. D. , Wardlaw A. C.
Published: February 2007

Bacteriolytic and bactericidal activity was evaluated in sera and synovial fluids of 28 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 13 patients with osteoarthritis. An attempt was made to correlate the results with the concentrations of the total hemolytic complement, lysozyme, immunoglobulins, transferrin, and the titer of the Latex fixation. Bacteriolytic activity in all but 5 hypocomplementemic rheumatoid sera and in all osteoarthritic sera was normal. There was a correlation (P = 0.01) between bacteriolytic activity and the level of complement, but not the level of other factors or the titer of the Latex fixation. Bacteriolytic activity in the rheumatoid and osteoarthritic synovial fluids was low, being respectively four times and two times weaker than in the corresponding sera. It correlated well only with the level of complement (P < 0.01). Bactericidal activity of rheumatoid and osteoarthritic sera was normal but was very significantly decreased in the synovial fluids, being respectively 10 times weaker and four times weaker than in the corresponding sera. The only positive correlation was found between bactericidal activity and the complement level (P < 0.01). There was no correlation between the titer of the Latex fixation and the level of the total hemolytic complement either in serum or in synovial fluids. The influence of 6 antiarthritic drugs on antibacterial activity was tested by addition of drugs to the normal human serum. There was no change in bacteriolytic activity, however bacterial growth was inhibited when high concentrations of drugs were mixed with the culture medium.
Effects of cyclophosphamide on B‐ and T‐lymphocytes in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Clements P. J. , Yu D. T. Y. , Levy J. , Paulus H. E. , Barnett E. V.
Published: February 2007

The characteristics of circulating blood lymphocytes in 16 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on cyclophosphamide (CPA) were compared with 49 control RA patients and 70 normal volunteers. In all three groups the percentages of B‐ and T‐lymphocytes were the same. In untreated RA the absolute numbers of B‐ and T‐lymphocytes were lower than normal. During CPA therapy the absolute numbers of B‐ and T‐lymphocytes decreased markedly while the mean lymphocyte diameter increased significantly. The profound effects of CPA therapy on both B‐ and T‐lymphocytes may be related to the concomitant marked depression in humoral and cell‐mediated immunity seen during CPA therapy.
Spontaneous carditis in the NZB mouse and its hybrids
Authors: Pansky Ben , Freimer Earl H.
Published: February 2007

The NZB mouse and its NZB/NZW hybrid spontaneously develop carditis as they age. This carditis is characterized by an inflammatory process that includes pancarditis, valvulitis and arteritis. Anitschkow cells are present in many areas of inflammation. In some areas there are discrete lesions similar to Aschoff bodies.
The association of antinuclear antibodies with the chronic iridocyclitis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (Still's disease)
Authors: Schaller Jane Green , Johnson Gerald D. , Holborow Eric J. , Ansell Barbara M. , Smiley W. K.
Published: February 2007

Positive tests for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were found in 51 of 58 (88%) patients with chronic iridocyclitis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (Still's disease). Antinuclear antibodies were predominantly of the IgG class of immunoglobulins and were generally present in liters of 1:50 (six ANA units) or more. They were unassociated with disease activity, severity or duration, age of patient at onset or testing, or sex. Neither other autoantibodies nor antibodies reactive with DNA or RNA were associated. In 8 patients tested early in disease, ANA were found prior to the onset of iridocyclitis. The presence of ANA should prove useful in identifying patients with JRA at risk for chronic iridocyclitis. In contrast, negative tests for ANA in patients with childhood‐onset arthritis and iridocyclitis were found to be associated with acute iridocyclitis and subsequent ankylosing spondylitis.
Heterogeneity of RNA protein antigens reactive with sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus description of a cytoplasmic nonribosomal antigen
Authors: Mattioli Martha , Reichlin Morris
Published: February 2007

A soluble cytoplasmic RNA protein antigen (La) is described, which precipitates with sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and a small number of patients who lack antinuclear factors but who have various connective tissue symptoms. Antibodies to the cytoplasmic RNA protein are almost invariably (8 of 9 cases) accompanied by antibodies to a non‐nucleic acid cytoplasmic antigen, Ro. Description of this antigen enlarges the spectrum of nucleic acid antigens reactive with the sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Abnormalities of respiratory gases in synovial fluid of patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Goetzl Edward J. , Rynes Richard I. , Stillman J. Sydney
Published: February 2007

Synovial fluids from 26 knees of patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis were analyzed for partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) and carbon dioxide (pCO2), pH, and for lactate. As in adult rheumatoid arthritis, a low Po2 level was associated with a high concentration of lactate (r = −0.81), and inverse relationships were demonstrated between levels of lactate and pH (r = −0.87), and pCO2 and pH (r = −0.86). These physiologic abnormalities were unrelated to the clinical severity of local joint disease or to the spread of joint involvement.
HL‐A 27 in reactive arthritis. A study of yersinia arthritis and Reiter's disease
Authors: Aho Kimmo , Ahvonen Paavo , Lassus Allan , Sievers Kai , Tiilikainen Anja
Published: February 2007

The histocompatibility antigen HL‐A 27 was identified in 43 of 49 patients with yersinia arthritis and in 36 of 40 patients with Reiter's disease, compared with 3 of 20 patients with yersinia infection without arthritis and 14% of the normal Finnish population. HL‐A 2 occurred in patients with reactive arthritis in the same high frequency as did HL‐A 27, but this antigen is present in 55% of Finns. HL‐A 27 negative patients usually had a mild or somewhat atypical disease.
Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis. Fine structural analysis of the synovium and synovial fluid cells
Authors: Krey Phoebe R. , Comerford Francis R. , Cohen Alan S.
Published: February 2007

A patient with progressive multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MR) had foamy giant cells in the synovial fluid as well as in the synovial membrane and dermis. These cells did not stain for neutral fat, but stained faintly with Sudan Black B and periodic acid‐Schiff. Electron microscopy of these unusual macrophages showed they were filled with vacuoles and inclusions that contained a flocculent material. These inclusions bore a close relationship to the Golgi apparatus and, in some cells, appeared to be developing from smooth endoplasmic reticulum. A 3‐month trial on azathioprine did not improve the patient's arthritis nor reduce the size and number of skin nodules. This is the first patient described with this disorder in whom synovial fluid analysis revealed foamy appearing giant cells and in whom intracellular inclusions were related to the endoplasmic reticuium.
Comprehensive management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis some results of the regional arthritis control program in michigan
Authors: Duff Ivan F. , Carpenter James O. , Neukom Jan E.
Published: February 2007

The present investigation reports on the effects of a program of comprehensive care for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Five dependent variables representing indices of disease activity were employed in assessing the merit of comprehensive, continuing management when compared with conventional management, often episodic, provided in arthritis clinics. Over the short duration of the project, this controlled study suggests greater benefits for patients in the comprehensive program. Greater insight into the relative benefits of different management modalities may be provided for future projects of this type in which a longer period of observation is possible.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in serum and synovial fluid in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hunder Gene G. , Gleich Gerald J.
Published: February 2007

Serum and synovial fluid levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) were significantly increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but were normal in degenerative arthritis (DJD) and in samples taken at autopsy in cases without joint disease. No significant correlation was found between serum IgE concentration and severity of RA nor was evidence found of the local production of IgE in synovial fluid in RA. The increased IgE in RA may be the result of a general immune response seen in this disease.
The macrophage‐lymphocyte rosette. Its increased incidence among cells from rheumatoid synovial fluid
Authors: Hepburn Bonnie , McDuffie F. C. , Ritts R. E.
Published: February 2007

Macrophage‐lymphocyte rosettes are a prominent feature of rheumatoid synovial fluid cell cultures. They suggest the presence of antigen in or on synovial fluid leukocytes. The majority of lymphocytes found in macrophage‐lymphocyte rosettes have been identified as T cells.
A computer assisted instructional course in diagnosis and treatment of the rheumatic diseases
Authors: Diamond Herbert S. , Weiner Max , Plotz Charles M.
Published: February 2007

A computer‐assisted simulation of the “chart method” of teaching has been developed and used to provide instruction in clinical decisionmaking in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. The course requires a student to reach and defend a diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment for each of 10 simulated cases. Evaluation of performance and immediate feedback and correction of errors of commission and omission are an integral part of the course. The course provides a model for the development of additional programs in other subject areas.
Pseudogout in ochronosis
Authors: Rynes Richard I. , Leland Sosman J. , Holdsworth Donald E.
Published: February 2007

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals were identified in synovial fluid white blood cells during an episode of acute arthritis in a patient with ochronosis and chondrocalcinosis. Review of the histories and radiographs of 5 other patients with ochronosis demonstrated two additional instances of chondrocalcinosis. Both of these patients had episodes of arthritis consistent with pseudogout. This suggests that pseudogout, which has been found in increased incidence in some metabolic diseases, may also be more common in ochronosis.
The hyperviscosity syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis due to intermediate complexes formed by self‐association of IgG‐rheumatoid factors
Authors: Pope Richard M. , Mannik Mart , Gilliland Bruce C. , Teller David C.
Published: February 2007

Three patients with rheumatoid arthritis and abundant circulating intermediate complexes were studied. Two of these patients presented with the hyperviscosity syndrome. All 3 patients had markedly elevated plasma and blood viscosity, and the intermediate complexes were thought to be responsible for the increased viscosity. Studies on the isolated intermediate complexes revealed that they were formed by self‐association of IgG‐rheumatoid factors.
HL‐A W27 in psoriatic arthropathy
Authors: Metzger Allan L. , Morris Robert I. , Bluestone Rodney , Terasaki Paul I.
Published: February 2007

Forty subjects with psoriatic arthritis (PA) underwent HL‐A tissue typing. HL‐A W27 was significantly increased in psoriatic spondylitis (35%), whereas statistical significance was not reached in patients with peripheral arthritis alone, although W27 was present in a frequency greater than in controls. Psoriatic spondylitis (often asymptomatic) occurred in 57% (23 of 40) of our PA patients. Of interest, psoriatic spondylitis was more often W27 negative than W27 positive; nevertheless, W27‐positive and W27‐negative spondylitis was clinically and radiographically indistinguishable except that W27‐positive disease occurred exclusively in males and the duration of the psoriasis was shorter when compared to W27‐negative spondylitis.
Effects of acute cartilaginous injury on serum and cartilage lysozyme levels
Authors: Greenwald Robert A. , Cantor Jerome O. , Schwartz Charles E. , Josephson Alan S.
Published: February 2007

Acute cartilage degradation was produced in rabbits by the intravenous injection of crude papain. This resulted in a significant rise in serum lysozyme in 97% of the animals, as well as a fall in the residual lysozyme content of auricular and costal cartilage. The rise in serum lysozyme paralleled the rise in serum chondroitin sulfate. The source of the rise in lysozyme appeared to be the release of extracellular, nonlysosomal lysozyme from the cartilage matrix. Serum lysozyme elevation in arthritic disorders may reflect cartilage degradation.
Depression of cellular‐mediated immunity in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Julian Rosenthal C. , Franklin Edward C.
Published: February 2007

Cellular‐mediated immunity was examined in 6 consecutive patients with active SLE, 6 patients with low active SLE, 6 patients with DLE, 8 patients with other collagen diseases, and 9 healthy controls. The following parameters were measured: delayed hypersensitivity, in vitro lymphocyte blast transformation, and MIF production after stimulation with five common antigens, DNA, and two nonspecific mitogens (PHA, PWM). The 6 active SLE patients were anergic and had a markedly depressed response in vitro to the specific antigens and PWM (P < 0.001). When CMI was retested in 5 patients as early as 5 days after the start of prednisone (60 mg/day), the results were significantly improved in 4 who also improved clinically, and they remained unchanged in a fifth patient who failed to improve. There was a less marked impairment of CMI among the low active SLE group, whereas the DLE and OCD patients did not differ significantly from the control subjects. DNA did not cause significant stimulation of blast transformation in any of the study groups.
Histochemical and electron microscopic comparison of tissue produced by rabbit articular chondrocytes in VIVO and in VITRO
Authors: Green William T. , Ferguson Roger J.
Published: February 2007

Rabbit articular chondrocytes produce a chondroid matrix in subculture. This tissue was compared to articular cartilage by histochemical and electron microscopic techniques. Although both tissues were similar, the cytology of chondrocytes and the matrix structure of chondroid tissue appeared less mature.
Surface characteristics of synovial fluid and peripheral blood lymphocytes in inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Brenner Alan I. , Scheinberg Morton A. , Cathcart Edgar S.
Published: February 2007

In order to characterize the T‐ and B‐cell populations of inflammatory arthritides, synovial fluid and peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), and rheumatoid variant diseases (RV) were studied. Normal peripheral blood lymphocytes were examined as controls. T cells were identified by spontaneous sheep red blood cell (E) rosette formation. B cells were determined by complement receptor lymphocyte (EAC) rosette formation and by the presence of surface immunoglobulins (SIg) utilizing fluoresceinated polyvalent antiglobulin. Synovial fluids were analyzed in terms of duration, mucin quality, white cell count, and differential. Synovial fluid and peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with RA and RV were distributed in T‐ and B‐cell percentages similar to those found in normal peripheral blood. In contrast, significant T‐cell depression was observed in the percentage of synovial fluid and peripheral blood lymphocytes of SLE and JRA patients. This depression was apparent in comparison with normal peripheral blood and with the synovial fluid and peripheral blood from RA patients. B‐cell percentages were similar in all patient groups and in comparison to normal peripheral blood lymphocytes. No differences were noted in B‐cell percentages when the EAC and SIg techniques of identification were compared. The percentage of cells bearing neither T‐ nor B‐cell markers (null cells) was enumerated for each patient group and found to be significantly elevated in the synovial fluid and peripheral blood of SLE and JRA patients. Though the mean synovial fluid and peripheral blood null cell percentages in RA patients were similar to those in controls, a definite bimodal distribution was found in the synovial fluids. These data suggest that evaluation of T‐, B‐, and null‐cell populations may be clinically useful in differentiating patients with SLE and JRA from those with rheumatoid arthritis and variant diseases.
Immunologic characterization of the mononuclear cell infiltrates in rheumatoid synovia, in rheumatoid nodules, and in lip biopsies from patients with sjö;ugren's syndrome
Authors: Tannenbaum Hyman , Pinkus Geraldine S. , Anderson Larry G. , Schur Peter H.
Published: February 2007

Two subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules and 8 rheumatoid synovia from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); and 2 parotid glands, 1 “pseudolymphoma,” and 6 lip biopsies from patients with Sjögren' syndrome (SS) were studied to identify mononuclear cells. The palisading mononuclear cells in subcutaneous nodules had a surface membrane receptor for complement. B lymphocytes surrounded by larger numbers of non‐B lymphocytes were found in RA synovium and between salivary ducts of SS lip biopsies. A “pseudolymphoma” obtained from a patient with SS consisted primarily of B lymphocytes. The predominant mononuclear cells in rheumatoid synovia and salivary glands in patients with RA and SS do not have surface membrane receptors for complement and are thus probably T lymphocytes or null cells.
Retardation of colony growth of in vitro bone marrow culture using sera from patients with felty' syndrome, disseminated lupus erythematosus (sle), rheumatoid arthritis, and other disease states
Authors: Duckham Dewey J. , Rhyne Robert L. , Smith Fredrica E. , Williams Ralph C.
Published: February 2007

Whole sera and serum fractions from 24 patients with Felty' syndrome, 42 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 48 paients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as 30 patients with miscellaneous acute and chronic disease states, were studied for their effect on numbers of mouse bone marrow colonies grown on soft agar in the presence of human colony stimulating factor. Significant early retardation of mouse bone marrow colony counts was recorded in 87.5% of Felty' sera, 43% of SLE sera, and 12.5% of sera from patients with uncomplicated RA. Forty percent of 30 other control patients with acute or chronic inflammatory diseases also showed this activity. No diminution was noted with any of 40 normal control sera. Degree of marrow colony retardation could be directly correlated to amounts of test serum added. No single serum fraction isolated by ion exchange chromatography, gel filtration, or electrophoresis was identified as solely responsible for marrow growth retardation; however lipoprotein fractions including chylomicrons, LDL, and HDL showed inhibiting activity in various sera.
Aspirin‐induced hepatotoxicity in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis a prospective study
Authors: Athreya Balu H. , Moser Glenda , Cecil Henry S. , Myers Allen R.
Published: February 2007

Recent reports of and our own experience with biochemical alterations of liver function secondary to salicylate therapy stimulated this prospective study. Thirty‐four children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, 6 children with acute cartilagenous necrosis of the hip following slipped capital femoral epiphysis, and 2 children with ulcerative colitis and hip disease who were on salicylates were followed over a period of 1–27 months with serial determinations of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AP), bilirubin, and serum salicylate. Prothrombin time was measured in 14 children. Twenty‐two of 34 children with rheumatoid arthritis and none of the 8 controls demonstrated abnormalities of various liver functions at serum salicylate levels between 7.0 and 43 mg%. Three children demonstrated severe abnormalities characterized by marked elevation of SGOT, SGPT, LDH, and AP, prolongation of prothrombin time, and epistaxis. This type of reaction occurred within 5–14 days of initiation of aspirin therapy and occurred at serum salicylate levels between 18 and 43 mg%. Moderate changes in various liver function tests were observed in 19 other children. None of those children who were tested showed prolongation of prothrombin time. The serum salicylate level in this group varied between 7.0 and 38.2 mg%. The abnormal liver function tests returned to normal in 6 children upon withdrawal of aspirin and in 12 others even when salicylates were continued. Therefore, despite the occurrence of biochemical abnormalities following chronic salicylate therapy, it does not appear to be necessary to discontinue their use except in those children who develop bleeding.
Osteoarthritis of the trapezioscaphoid joint
Authors: Patterson A. Caroline
Published: February 2007

Isolated osteoarthritis (OA) of the trapezioscaphoid (TS) joint is little recognized. Nine cases that were examined clinically and radiologically are described. Of these 4 had isolated TS OA, 3 also had generalized OA, and 2 also had rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms and signs, including pain in the wrist and thumb base, radial and volar swelling, and tenderness over the scaphoid, allowed distinction from other causes of pain at the thumb base. A wrist‐working splint was beneficial in relieving pain.
Bone resorption of the mandible in progressive systemic sclerosis
Authors: Seifert Martin H. , Steigerwald James C. , Cliff May M.
Published: February 2007

Five of 16 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis were found to have bone resorption at the angle of the mandible. This finding appears to be closely related to the tightness of the skin of the face, atrophy of the masseter and pterygoid muscles, small size of the oral orifice, and a significantly high frequency in blacks. The mandible must therefore be added to the list of those bones that can be resorbed in progressive systemic sclerosis.
Electron microscopic demonstration of immunoglobulin deposition in rheumatoid cartilage
Authors: Ishikawa Hitoshi , Smiley J. Donald , Ziff Morris
Published: February 2007

Horseradish peroxidase (HRPO) conjugated with goat antihuman IgG, goat antihuman IgM, and aggregated human IgG has been used as a enzymatic marker to stain IgG, IgM, and rheumatoid factor in rheumatoid cartilage. When HRPO‐anti IgG and HRPO‐anti IgM were used, immunoglobulin deposits were not observed in nonrheumatoid cartilage. However 7 of 8 rheumatoid cartilage specimens stained with HRPO‐anti IgG showed electron‐dense deposits. Three rheumatoid specimens stained with HRPO‐anti IgM showed similar findings. Both of 2 rheumatoid specimens also stained positively with HRPO conjugated with aggregated IgG, a finding indicating that rheumatoid factor was present. The deposits were seen between the collagen fibers of the superficial layer of the cartilage to a maximal depth of 22 m̈ from the surface (average: 7 m̈). The amorphous fibrinous material on the surface of the cartilage was also stained. The demonstration of IgG, IgM, and rheumatoid factor in the superficial zone of rheumatoid cartilage suggests that immune complexes are deposited in the cartilage in this disease.
Cutaneous vessel immune deposits in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Conn Doyt L. , Schroeter Arnold L. , McDuffie Frederic C.
Published: February 2007

A study to determine the presence of immune deposits in the cutaneous vessels of normal‐appearing skin was made in 39 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Immune deposits in skin vessels were found in 20 of the 32 patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis. The frequency of such immune deposits was only slightly higher in patients with clinical vasculitis than in those without such vasculitis. There was an association among the presence of immune deposits in skin vessels, presence of antinuclear antibodies, and elevated serum levels of IgM and IgA. The major immunoreactants detected were IgM and C3. The presence of immune deposits in skin vessels does not differentiate seropositive rheumatoid patients who have clinical vasculitis from those who do not have clinical vasculitis.
Treatment of psoriatic arthritis with azaribine
Authors: Levine Seymour , Paulus Harold E.
Published: February 2007

Thirty‐two patients with psoriatic arthritis unresponsive to conventional therapy were treated with the antipyrimidine azaribine. For the group, improvement was highly significant (P < 0.01) when average painful joint count, ring size, grip strength, pain, and morning gel were compared with baseline measurements. The spectrum of response of individual patients varied from total remission of arthritis in 5 patients to no improvement in 7. Dermatitis improved more than 50% in 26 patients. Reduction in hematocrit, gastrointestinal irritation, and occasional central nervous system toxicity were readily reversed by decreasing or discontinuing dosage. Azaribine appears to be a useful agent for trial in the treatment of refractory psoriatic arthritis.
Lymphocyte responsiveness in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Utsinger Peter D.
Published: February 2007

Lymphocyte transformation to various mitogens and antigens was studied in selected patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. These patients were selected because they had taken no drug other than low‐dose aspirin for 2 months prior to presentation. An impaired transformation response to the mitogens phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed was found. There was no impairment in the response to PPD and Candida. The impaired mitogen response, which could not be corrected using purified, warm‐washed, and warm‐cultured T lymphocytes, seemed to be a corollary of disease activity.
Serum and synovial fluid inhibitors of antibody‐mediated lymphocytotoxicity in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Diaz‐Jouanen Efrain , Bankhurst Arthur D. , Messner Ronald P. , Williams Ralph C.
Published: February 2007

Many sera from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) inhibit lymphocyte‐dependent antibody cytotoxicity (LDAC). RA synovial fluids also inhibit LDAC. RA serum inhibition was present in high molecular weight and 5S serum fractions, whereas in SLE it was confined to 7S fractions. A correlation between rheumatoid factor activity and LDAC inhibition was noted, and there was some evidence for inhibition of SLE serum acting on effector cells. Inhibition in RA synovial fluid was found in both high molecular weight and very low molecular weight fractions (<4S).
Intraarticular activation of the complement system in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Rynes Richard I. , Ruddy Shaun , Spragg Jocelyn , Sydney Stillman J. , Frank Austen K.
Published: February 2007

Analyses of CH50, complement components, properdin factors, and kininogen in synovial fluid of patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis revealed evidence of activation of the classic complement pathway in all clinical subgroups. Juveniles with the adult pattern of disease had the greatest incidence of complement abnormalities. Evaluation of individual components by both activity determination and protein measurement showed decreased synovial fluid specific functional activity (activity per microgram protein) to be more marked in synovial fluids with profound depressions of complement activity. These findings provide further evidence that nonfunctional, antigenically intact component protein may remain after complement activation. Radial immunodiffusion measurements of properdin factors and kininogen failed to support their involvement in joint inflammation. Serum complement component measurements by activity but not protein concentration correlated with other parameters of inflammation. Four patients had isolated depressions of serum C2 activity. Immunoglobulin levels, particularly IgA, correlated with some complement measurements and with the sedimentation rate.
The arthropathy of relapsing polychondritis
Authors: O'Hanlan Michael , McAdam Lawrence P. , Bluestone Rodney , Pearson Carl M.
Published: February 2007

Twenty‐three adults (11 males and 12 females) with well‐defined relapsing polychondritis (RP) are studied in order to characterize the arthropathy of RP. Arthritis was found in 19 patients‐as the presenting feature in 8 and as a significant symptom in 11 others. The usual pattern of involvement was mitratory, asymmetric, nonnodular, nonerosive, and seronegative, and affected large and small joints as well as parasternal articulations. In addition RP was seen in 3 patients with preexisting chronic polyarthritis or associated rheumatic disease.
Deforming arthritis of the hands in polymyositis
Authors: Bunch Thomas W. , O'Duffy J. Desmond , McLeod Richard A.
Published: February 2007

Arthritis of the hands with erosions, periosteal calcification, and interphalangeal thumb joint instability was seen in 6 patients with polymyositis. “Overlap” features such as Raynaud's phenomenon, positive LE clot test, and positive antinuclear antibody test were present, but clinically the primary disease was clearly polymyositis. This rather unusual constellation of roentgenographic findings strongly suggests the possibility of polymyositis.
A pathogenetic model for erosive synovitis. Lessons from animal arthritides
Authors: Hadler Nortin M.
Published: February 2007

Adjuvant arthritis, streptococcal cell wall—induced arthritis, and Erysipelothrix insidiosa arthritis are laboratory models of relapsing, erosive synovitis. A review of the experimental literature suggests that their pathogenesis is similar. The persistence in macrophages in the pannus of nonbiodegradable microbial cell wall components containing the peptidoglycan moeity is the central event. Based on this experimental literature, a model for the pathogenesis of these arthritides is developed. This model is testable and relevant to erosive synovitis in man.
Altered lymphocyte reactivity in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Arthur Silverman H. , Johnson John S. , Vaughan John H. , McGlamory James C.
Published: February 2007

Blastogenic transformation of peripheral lymphocytes with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), conconavalin A (Con A), and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) was studied in 29 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The PHA response was depressed in a subgroup of RA patients with erosive disease. The Con A response was also depressed and paralleled the PHA response. The PWM response was not depressed. These results lend support to the hypothesis of a functional defect of cellular immunity in RA. It was shown that lymphocyte responsiveness to a single mitogen concentration is not an adequate assessment of the overall responsiveness of the lymphocytes tested.
Controlled trial of cyclophosphamide in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Townes Alexander S. , Sowa James M. , Shulman Lawrence E.
Published: February 2007

Twenty‐four patients with severe progressive rheumatoid arthritis were randomly assigned to cyclo‐phosphamide or placebo in a double‐blind crossover trial. Eleven patients who completed 9 months on cyclophosphamide (average dose: 1.8 mg/kg/day) demonstrated significant decrease in painful joints, swollen joints, and morning stiffness and increase in grip strength when compared to 11 patients on placebo. After crossover, significant improvement was observed in patients switched to cyclophosphamide, and deterioration within 2 months was observed in most patients changed from drug to placebo. Serum immunoglobulins and rheumatoid factor titers decreased with cyclophosphamide but antibody response to Vi antigen was unaffected. Primary delayed immune response to 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene was markedly depressed. Adverse effects were troublesome—hemorrhagic cystitis affected 4 patients and amenorrhea occurred in 3. Despite its striking beneficial effect, cyclophosphamide should be prescribed cautiously and only in severe resistant cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
Fine structural analysis of rabbit synovial cells. II. Fine structure and rosette‐forming cells of explant and monolayer cultures
Authors: Krey Phoebe R. , Scheinberg Morton A. , Cohen Alan S.
Published: February 2007

The fine structure and plasma membrane receptors of explant and monolayer cells of normal rabbit synovium were studied. In explants about 10% of the cells were round and formed rosettes with IgG and C3 markers, whereas the remaining cells were stellate, resembled young fibroblasts, and had no receptors for IgG and complement. Monolayer cells looked like fibroblasts, produced fine extracellular fibrils and hyaluronate, and formed no rosettes. Thus early cultures contain both macrophages and fibroblasts but only the latter persist in monolayer.
Rheumatoid factor (antigammaglobulin) in women. Effects of oral contraceptive use on its prevalence
Authors: Sponzilli Ernest E. , Ramcharan Savitri , Wingerd John
Published: February 2007

A total of 14,856 women, including 921 pregnant subjects, were tested for rheumatoid factor; 4,562 were using oral contraceptives at the time of testing. The prevalence of rheumatoid factor increased directly with age. The age‐adjusted prevalence of rheumatoid factor was lower in oral contraceptive users than in nonusers but this difference was not statistically significant. Rheumatoid factor remained positive in 39% of subjects undergoing retesting after an average interval of 16 months. Those women with higher titers of rheumatoid factor were more likely to remain positive (81%). Of the women having positive tests, 5.4% were identified as having rheumatoid disease.
Periarticular uptake of 99mtechnetium diphosphonate in psoriatics. Correlation with cutaneous activity
Authors: Namey Thomas C. , Rosenthall Leonard
Published: February 2007

The periarticular uptake of 99mtechnetium‐labeled diphosphonate (99mTcDP) was compared in 12 patients hospitalized for psoriasis and in 12 hospitalized for other dermatoses not associated with arthropathy. The 12 patients with psoriasis had recent onset disease of less than 5 years duration; neither group had historical or clinical evidence of arthritis. All psoriatics had markedly abnormal scans with symmetrically increased periarticular uptake about the imaged joints. None of the controls had similar findings. In 4 patients scanned with 99mtechnetium‐pertechnetate within 24 hours of their 99mTcDP scan, no evidence of inflammatory synovitis was found. Three of these patients were serially imaged with 99mTcDP at intervals of 2 weeks to 3 months after their initial study, when obvious clinical improvement in their psoriasis was apparent. Improvement in the radionuclide joint images was demonstrated in some of the patients, but none reverted to normal during the study period. In light of recent evidence for the preferential binding of 99mTcDP to immature collagen, it is suggested that psoriasis may represent a generalized, but uncharacterized, collagen disorder present in bone as well as skin, linking the cutaneous disease with the potential for arthropathy.
Characteristics of patients with serum antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens
Authors: Leibfarth James H. , Persellin Robert H.
Published: February 2007

A distinguishing feature of the mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) syndrome is the presence in the serum of antibody in high titer to ribonucleoprotein (RNP). To determine whether this was an exclusive observation, a large rheumatic disease population was surveyed for the presence of antibody in high titer to extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) including RNP. Of 650 sera examined, 440 (from 240 patients) had antinuclear antibody. Only 39 patients had serum antibody to ENA in titers ≧ 1:200 dilution. In 16 the anti‐ENA was shown by RNAse digestion to be anti‐RNP. Although many clinical and laboratory characteristics were similar in these two groups, the patients more closely resembled the previously described MCTD syndrome and, importantly, less often had severe renal and central nervous system disease manifestations. Thus the presence of serum antibodies to ENA that are predominantly RNAse‐sensitive (anti‐RNP) helps to identify a rheumatic disease syndrome and also appears to have prognostic value.
Antibodies to dAT detected by membrane filtration
Authors: Lentz Kenneth , Winfield John B. , Barland Peter
Published: February 2007

Sera from patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus caused the retention of the radioactively labeled synthetic polynucleotide 14C‐dAT on cellulose nitrate filters. The amount of 14C‐dAT bound correlated with the presence of hypocomplementemia and active renal disease. Sera containing only anti‐single‐stranded DNA antibodies did not bind 14C‐dAT but did bind 125I DNA from E coli that had been prefiltered to remove ssDNA contamination. Inhibition experiments also indicated the presence of antigenic differences between 14C‐dAT and prefiltered 125I‐E coli DNA. The data suggest that dAT carries one of the major antigenic specificities for antinative DNA antibodies in SLE, and that cellulose nitrate filtration fails to remove a significant proportion of contaminating single‐stranded DNA determinants in non‐synthetic DNA.
Aggregation of cartilage proteoglycans. Ii. Evidence for the presence of a hyaluronate‐binding region on proteoglycans from osteoarthritic cartilage
Authors: Brandt Kenneth D. , Palmoski Marshall J. , Perricone Elaine
Published: February 2007

Proteoglycan aggregates isolated from normal bovine knee cartilage were larger than those from osteoarthritic cartilage of the same joints and appeared relatively more resistant to digestion with leech hyaluronidase. Incubation of proteoglycan subunits from the arthritic cartilage with hyaluronic acid resulted in marked aggregation, comparable in magnitude to that shown by subunits from normal cartilage. The results indicate that the hyaluronate‐binding region of these proteoglycans was functionally intact and suggest that diminished aggregation of proteoglycans in osteoarthritic cartilage may be due to an abnormality in some other constituent of the aggregates.
Hyaluronic acid produced by human synovial fibroblasts. Effect of polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid (POLY I:C) and interferon
Authors: Yaron M. , Yaron I. , Smetana O. , Eylan E. , Herzberg M.
Published: February 2007

Poly I:C (polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid) stimulated hyaluronic acid production by rheumatoid and non‐rheumatoid human synovial fibroblasts. Stimulation was dose dependent and was inhibited by acetylsalicylic acid and indomethacin. Poly I and Poly C, when separately added, had no stimulatory effect on hyaluronic acid production, and Poly A:U had only a slight effect on this parameter. Cells grown with Poly I:C were virus resistant and interferon was detected in their medium. Human interferon had also a dose‐dependent stimulatroy effect on hyaluronic acid production by synovial cells. A possible interferon‐mediated relationship between virus infection and pathologic accumulation of joint fluid is suggested.
Chrysotherapy. A prospective study
Authors: Rothermich Norman O. , Philips Vol K. , Bergen Waldemar , Thomas Marvin H.
Published: February 2007

A 4‐year prospective clinical study of chrysotherapy was designed to reexamine old beliefs and traditions, and to test potentially new approaches to chrysotherapy. The standard weekly dosage of 50 mg was compared to that based on 1 mg/kg body weight; no significant differences were found. The rapidly absorbed aqueous thiomalate was compared to the slowly absorbed oil repository thioglucose; the latter produced significantly less side effects and an appreciably higher percentage of improvement. Almost half (43%) of nonresponders on standard regimen had a satisfactory clinical response at higher dosage levels without increase in toxicity. Some of these findings vary so much with traditional beliefs and practices that the authors urge caution in their interpretation. But generally speaking these problems are technical and do not detract from the conviction that chrysotherapy is valuable and comparatively safe in the management of rheumatoid arthritis and that it deserves more widespread application in clinical practice.
Serum antibody levels against t mycoplasmas in two north american indian populations predisposed to spondylitis
Authors: Ford Denys K. , Henderson Elizabeth
Published: February 2007

Serum antibody levels against T mycoplasmas (Ureaplasma urealyticum) were determined by the metabolic inhibition method in several populations. A higher prevalence of antibody was found in Haida Indians and Bella Coola Indians than in blood donors, patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and patients attending a VD clinic. Antibody levels did not correlate with the presence of spondylitis or the histocompatibility antigen HLA‐B27, although both these Indian populations have a high prevalence of spondylitis and HLA‐B27.
Hypothyroidism presenting as a polymyositis‐like syndrome. Report of two cases
Authors: Hochberg Marc C. , Koppes Gerald M. , Edwards Corwin Q. , Barnes H. Verdain , Arnett Frank C.
Published: February 2007

Two patients with proximal muscle weakness and marked elevations of serum muscle enzymes were initially believed to have polymyositis; however electromyography and muscle biopsies were normal. Both patients were subsequently found to have hypothyroidism. Each regained her muscle strength, and serum enzymes normalized with thyroid hormone replacement. Because muscle weakness and an elevated creatine phosphokinase occur in most patients with hypothyroidism, thyroid dysfunction must be considered in the differential diagnosis of polymyositis.
Progressive systemic sclerosis in a family
Authors: Gray Robert G. , Altman Roy D. , Gray Robert G. , Altman Roy D.
Published: February 2007

Progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) developed in a 6‐year‐old boy and in his 38‐year‐old mother 9 years later. Both parent and child had Raynaud's phenomenon, integumental sclerosis, and pulmonary involvement, but they differed in other aspects of their disease. Previous descriptions of the familial occurrence of PSS are reviewed and compared to the present case reports. Environmental and genetic factors of possible etiologic significance are discussed.
Reiter's syndrome followingshigella flexneri 2a
Authors: Good Armin E. , Schultz Jane S.
Published: February 2007

Shigella flexneri 2a was isolated from a patient with Reiter's syndrome (RS) following a family outbreak of traveler's diarrhea. Among 3 members at risk, only the patient was positive for HLA‐B27. Data from 3 similar families support the hypothesis that susceptibility to RS is genetically transmitted. It is urged that every effort be made to culture and subtype Shigella and other enteric pathogens in RS following diarrhea. Concurrently, the patient had hepatitis, interpreted as a parallel enteric infection.
Skin basement membrane immunofluorescence in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Deboer Daniel C. , Moskowitz Roland W. , Michel Beno
Published: February 2007

Thirty‐nine patients with rheumatoid arthritis were studied for the presence of skin basement membrane immunofluorescence. Punch biopsies from normal sun‐exposed skin of the forearm were negative for basement membrane immunofluorescence in all cases, except one which was read as questionable. No correlation with serum antinuclear antibody or lupus erythematosus cells was observed. Skin immunofluorescence studies are helpful in differential diagnosis when patients with a clinical picture of rheumatoid arthritis present with serum antinuclear antibodies and lupus erythematosus cells. Positive basement membrane immunofluorescence is strong evidence of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Enhancement of in vitro immunoglobulin synthesis of rheumatoid lymphocytes by aggregated human gamma globulin
Authors: Yamasaki Kuniomi , Ziff Morris
Published: February 2007

In vitro immunoglobulin synthesis by lymphocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was enhanced by the addition of heat‐aggregated human IgG. Stimulation occurred in the presence of fresh seropositive autologous plasma and was abolished by heat inactivation. By contrast, no significant stimulation was induced in lymphocytes from patients with miscellaneous arthritides and normal subjects cultured in the presence of either fresh autologous plasma or fresh normal AB serum. Although stimulation of RA lymphocytes did not occur in the presence of fresh AB serum, it did when purified IgM rheumatoid factor was added to this serum. These results suggest that immune complexes formed between aggregated IgG and rheumatoid factor in the presence of complement stimulate immunoglobulin synthesis in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with RA.
The university rheumatic disease clinic
Authors: Henke Curtis J. , Yelin Edward H. , Ingbar Mary Lee , Epstein Wallace V.
Published: February 2007

A medical school based rheumatic disease clinic provides patient services and educational activities and conducts clinical research. The patient population and routes of access to one such clinic are described, and the effect of direct and indirect costs influencing patient compliance are analyzed. It was found that the program cost of such a facility greatly exceeds the administrative cost. Alternatives to such high‐cost facilities are considered.
Antibody levels to enteric bacteria in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gutowska‐Grzegorczyk Grazyna , Baum John
Published: February 2007

In order to determine the immunologic status and possible susceptibility to bacterial infection in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), titers of hemagglutinating antibodies to E coli 055, E coli 086, common antigen, and Shigella polyvalent antigen were measured. Immunoglobulin G was the predominant antibody. IgA antibodies were found in higher titers in children with JRA. No significant differences were found between children with JRA and matched controls. These data show that children with JRA do not have any deficit in antibody production to specific bacterial antigens, and any increased appearance of infection in these children is more probably due to deficiencies in cellular factors.
Chalky joint effusion
Authors: Brandt Kenneth D. , Krey Phoebe R.
Published: February 2007

A patient with long‐standing progressive systemic sclerosis developed calcification of the suprapatellar pouch. Chalky white synovial fluid from the knee joint contained many crystals that were characterized as apatite by X‐ray diffraction. In this case massive amounts of crystals were presumably shed into the fluid from the heavily calcified synovium.