Presence of ChAT mRNA and a very marked alpha 7nAChR immunoreaction in the synovial lining layer of the knee joint

• Aims: The aim was to examine if there is evidence of acetylcholine (ACh) production within the synovial lining layer and to examine the pattern of alpha 7nAChR expression in the layer. This layer is of relevance clinically as it becomes thickened in response to both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) and as it has been shown to produce proteases that are involved in the cartilage destruction. Main methods: Synovial tissue specimens from the knee joint of patients with RA and OA undergoing prosthetic surgery were examined. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used for the evaluation of ChAT reaction patterns. Immunohistochemistry was utilized for demonstration of activity of alpha 7nAChR. Key findings: There were ChAT mRNA reactions in the synovial lining layer of both patient categories. On the other hand, no ChAT immunoreactions were detected in the layer. There was a very marked alpha 7nAChR immunoreaction. Significance: There is a potential for ACh production within the synovial lining layer as there are ChAT mRNA reactions. However, the level of ACh production is apparently very low. It is thus possible that there is a down-regulation of ACh production but an apparent upregulation in expression level of alpha 7nAChR. Based on the knowledge that the non-neuronal cholinergic system can have anti-inflammatory effects, the low level of ACh production in the synovial lining layer can be a drawback for the arthritic joints. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nyckelord

Arthritis

Synovium

Cholinergic

alpha 7nAChR

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)