Use of immunohistologic and in situ hybridization techniques in the examination of sacroiliac joint biopsy specimens from patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Abstract

The presence of T cells and macrophages was demonstrated in cellular infiltrates in the SI joints of 5 patients with active AS. The finding of abundant TNF alpha message in these joints could have implications regarding potential immunotherapeutic approaches to this disease. TGF beta might be involved in new bone formation in AS.