[Changes in the cover layer of the synovial membrane in the early stage of rheumatoid synovitis (based on light and electron microscopic data)]. / Ob izmenenii pokrovnogo sloia sinovial'noi obolochki v rannei stadii revmatoidnogo sinovita (po dannym svetovoi i élektronnoi mikroskopii).

In the early stage of rheumatoid synovitis, changes in synoviocytes of the cover layer in the joints with clinical manifestations of arthritis differ from stereotype reactions of these cells in the advanced stage of the disease. Fibrin, IgG and C3-fraction of complement are found on the surface and in the depth of the cover layer. Light and electron microscopy revealed the features of type B synoviocytes prevalent in the cover layer in the early stage of the disease: polymorphism and rounding of the nuclei of synoviocytes, mitoses, fragmentation and degeneration of the nucleolus, loosening of the chromatin network and appearance of interchromatin granules, nuclear bodies, formation of multinucleated synoviocytes and symplasts, destruction of organelles, activation of lysosomal apparatus of the cells. These changes may be interpreted as simultaneous manifestations of cell activation and cytopathologic effect. They are likely to be due to the effect of the etiological factor and immunocomplex mechanism. The detection of dystrophically altered chrondrocytes in the cover layer confirms the opinion of simultaneous participation of the synovial and cartilage components of the joint in the rheumatoid process.

[Study of an articular cartilage in rheumatoid arthritis by the immunofluorescence method]. / Immunofliuorestsentnoe izuchenie sustavnogo khriashcha pri revmatoidnom artrite.

The immunomorphological examinations of 20 biopsy specimens of articular cartilage in rheumatoid arthritis at various stages of the pathological process showed immunoglobulins of different classes and complement (C'3) to penetrate into the articular cartilage. In early stages mostly IgG was detected, and with increasing destructive processes in the matrix IgM was found. A certain tropism in the distribution of immunoglobulins in the cartilage matrix to the zones of chondrocytic capsules was observed which could be associated with the direction of immune reactions towards chondrocytes. The articular cartilage tissue may be the basis for the development of the autoimmune process and maintain permanent inflammatory process in the synovial membrane of the joint with local antibody synthesis. The process of phagocytosis of the antigenic substances of the articular cartilage or immune complexes deposed in it underlies the distribution of pannus.

[Acid polysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans) of the articular cartilage in rheumatoid arthritis]. / Kislye polisakharidy (glikozaminoglikany) sustavnogo khriashcha pri revmatoidnom artrite

As a result of histochemical investigation of the articular hyaline cartilage in 22 pateints with rheumatoid arthritis data were obtained on the decrease and redistribution of acid polysaccharides glycosamine glucane including keratosulphates, which led to an impartment of the cartilage supply and development therein of destructive processes. It was established that the most pronounced changer occurred in the main substance of the cartilage; changes in chondrocytes, according to the authors, were of secondary nature.