Enhanced neutrophilic granulopoiesis in rheumatoid arthritis. Involvement of neutrophils in disease progression.

Abstract

In RA bone marrow, immature neutrophils (CD15+CD16-) were markedly increased in number; by contrast, no changes were found for mature cells. Augmented production of immature neutrophils (at the promyelocyte-to-myelocyte stage) might lead to the destruction of collagenous fibers in RA bone trabeculae, as revealed by TEM. Generalized bone destruction in RA might, at least in part, be caused by enhanced production of immature neutrophils.