The Complement System in Rheumatoid Synovitis. II. Intracytoplasmic Inclusions of Immunoglobulins and Complement

Abstract

Abstract Synovial fluid leukocytes from patients with seropositive and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative joint disease were examined by immunofluorescence for deposition of γG, γA, γM, γG1, γG2, γG3, γG4, C1q, C4, C3, rheumatoid factor, and albumin. The pattern of immunoglobulin and complement deposition, particularly in seropositive rheumatoid arthritis fluids with low complement levels, was consistent with activation of the complement system and phagocytosis of immune complexes.