Fine structure of the human synovial lining cell in osteoarthritis: Its prominent cytoskeleton

William D. Meek, Brian T. Raber, Oza M. McClain, Jeff K. McCosh, B. B. Baker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

The cytoskeleton of the human osteoarthritic synovial lining cell (SLC) consists of an extensive number of vimentin intermediate filaments (IFs) in addition to microfilaments and microtubules. The IFs are especially prevalent in the SLC processes, but are commonly seen in a paranuclear arrangement. Processes, ending in numerous microvilli and blebs, project into the joint space. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) further reveals the processes that may parallel the synovium surface for a short distance. IFs extend to the termination of such processes. Numerous pinocytotic vesicles and extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) are characteristic of the type B cells. Lysosomes and long microvilli identify the type A cell. Punctate adherens, gap junctions, and cilia are the cell membrane specializations of the osteoarthritis (OA) synovium. A comparison with synovium from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is made in order to assess the effect of this inflammatory disease on the SLC cytoskeleton, cell type relationship, and cell arrangement. The prominent cytoskeleton appears to play an important role in the architecture of the synovium. Our findings are further presented in the form of a drawing which in some aspects could describe the morphology of the normal synovium.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)145-155
Number of pages11
JournalThe Anatomical Record
Volume231
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 1991
Externally publishedYes

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