Different immunological mechanisms contribute to cartilage destruction in antigen-induced arthritis.

Antigen-induced arthritis in guinea pigs was used as a model to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for cartilage destruction in chronic joint inflammation. The activation of macrophages, their effects on cartilage metabolism, and the development of autoimmunity to cartilage constituents were studied during the progression of arthritis. The results show that in arthritic animals the macrophages are systemically activated, with a peak in the early phase of inflammation.

The glycosaminoglycans in cultures of stimulated rat peritoneal macrophages. 2. Gel chromatographic studies and the behaviour of heparan sulfate.

The molecular weight distribution of pMP-derived glycosaminoglycans (GAG), i.e. non-sulfated GAG, chondroitin sulfate (CS), and heparin sulfate (HS)-like material was determined.

The glycosaminoglycans in cultures of stimulated rat peritoneal macrophages. 1. Pattern and biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans.

Macrophages produce and secrete proteoglycans. They are involved in inflammation and may contribute to the glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and proteoglycans (PG) characteristic of the inflamed area. This possible contribution was studied with rat peritoneal macrophages (pMP) in vitro.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) influences cell proliferation and glycosaminoglycans of chondrocyte cultures.

There are only few reports on the correlation between bacterial products and the GAG pattern of cartilage. Mycobacteria bovis (BCG) were applied to chondrocyte monolayer cultures for one week. The following parameters did change: cell proliferation increased, glycosaminoglycan synthesis and secretion decreased, hyaluronic acid in secreted and cell-associated glycosaminoglycans increased, a correlation between the degree of these changes and the degree of cell differentiation seems to exist.

The glycosaminoglycan metabolism of chondrocyte monolayer cultures under normal and pathological conditions. A methodic study.

Chondrocyte cultures may serve as a model in investigating changes of the cartilage metabolism. Adherent chondrocytes in vitro maintain polygonal morphology at high cell density in the primary and secondary culture. Collagen type II is only clearly detected in multilayered or nodular areas.