Innervation of synovial membrane and meniscus

Abstract

Substance P-immunofluorescent nerves, which are closely connected to pain transmission, were shown in human knee synovial membrane and menisci. Both tissues also contained enkephalin-immunofluorescent nerves, which are probably involved in the modulation of pain transmission. Previous suggestions on the presence of nociceptive receptors in these non-cartilaginous joint structures, made on a histological basis, are thus confirmed by a specific immunohistochemical method.