RESUMO
This study was designed to observe the expression of perlecan in the normal and degenerative arthritic synovial membrane. By using the immunohistochemical staining and immuno -electron microscopical gold labeling techniques, we observed five materials of normal and degenerative arthritic synovia each. The results were as follows. 1. By the immunohistochemical methods, perlecan -positive staining was seen on the 1 ~2 cell layers of the normal synovial membrane. But, a weaker staining compared to that seen in the normal synovial membrane was found in the degenerative arthritic synovial membrane. 2. Under the electron microscopic observation, perlecan was largely distributed in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of the secretory synovial cell, and in the vacuoles of the phagocytic synovial cell on the normal synovium of the human knee joint. It was also found in the extracellular matrix of the synovial membrane. 3. Perlecan -positive cells were also identified on the degenerative arthritic synovium of the human knee joint. However, fewer perlecan was observed here than that found in the normal synovium. In conclusion, perlecan is synthesized by the secretory synovial cells and degraded by the phagocytic synovial cells. And it, known as a major component of the basement membrane, also proven to exist in the extracellular matrix of the synovial membrane having no basement membrane. From the fact that less perlecan was observed in the degenerative arthritis, perlecan is might to play a major role in the degenerative process.