Deactivation of vascular endothelium by monoclonal anti–tumor necrosis factor α antibody in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

We propose that decreased serum levels of adhesion molecules may reflect diminished activation of endothelial cells in the synovial microvasculature, leading to reduced migration of leukocytes into synovial joints, and thus prolonging the therapeutic effect of anti-TNF alpha in RA.