TITLE:
Novel Identification of LYVE-1 Positive Macrophages in Rheumatoid Synovial Tissue
AUTHORS:
Lisa J. M. Rump, Derek L. Mattey, Oksana Kehoe, Jim Middleton
KEYWORDS:
LYVE-1, Macrophage, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Endothelial, Lymphatic
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Rheumatology and Autoimmune Diseases,
Vol.6 No.3,
August
17,
2016
ABSTRACT: Objective: LYVE-1+ macrophages are observed in a range of cancers, where they play a role in tumour
lymphangiogenesis. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lymphangiogenesis increases in the early
stage of the disease and decreases as it progresses, potentially exacerbating inflammatory cell
persistence. We investigated whether LYVE-1+ macrophages were present in RA synovium. Methods:
Synovial tissue from RA patients was obtained at joint replacement surgery and immunohistochemistry
was performed to visualise LYVE-1+ and CD68+ cells. Results: LYVE-1+ macrophages
were present in rheumatoid synovial tissue, the first observation of this kind. Conclusion:
Despite the reduction in lymphangiogenesis in chronic RA, LYVE-1 positive macrophages are
present and there is a potential role for macrophages in the generation of lymphatic vessels.