Comparative analysis of cathepsin l, cathepsin d, and collagenase messenger rna expression in synovial tissues of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, by in situ hybridization

Abstract

Cathepsins L and D mRNA are expressed differently in RA and OA synovial tissues, supporting the concept that these enzymes may contribute to the influx of mononuclear cells into RA synovium. Moreover, the data reveal that the expression of collagenase and cathepsins in RA and OA synovial lining is otherwise largely similar, and suggest that the adhesion of synovial cells to cartilage mediates the invasive destructive process in RA.