Expression of ferritin, transferrin receptor, and non-specific resistance associated macrophage proteins 1 and 2 (Nramp1 and Nramp2) in the human rheumatoid synovium

Telfer, J.F.. and Brock, J.H. (2002) Expression of ferritin, transferrin receptor, and non-specific resistance associated macrophage proteins 1 and 2 (Nramp1 and Nramp2) in the human rheumatoid synovium. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 61(8), pp. 741-744. (doi: 10.1136/ard.61.8.741)

Abstract

<br>Objective: To gain a better understanding of how iron accumulates in human rheumatoid synovium.</br> <br>Methods: The distribution of ferritin, transferrin receptor, and non-specific resistance associated macrophage proteins 1 and 2 (Nramp1 and Nramp2) in the human rheumatoid synovium was investigated by immunocytochemistry and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).</br> <br>Results: Both heavy and light ferritin subunit types were detected in the lining layer and the subinitimal zone of rheumatoid synovium, heavy ferritin generally being more abundant than light. Both heavy and light ferritin were detected in isolated synovial macrophages and fibroblasts. Transferrin receptor expression was largely confined to fibroblasts of the synovial lining layer. Nramp2 was detected by PCR in both isolated synovial macrophages and fibroblasts, whereas Nramp1 was detected by PCR and immunocytochemistry in macrophages and neutrophils in the lining and subinitimal zone, and in inflammatory infiltrates, but was absent from fibroblasts.</br> <br>Conclusion: A complex chain of events, perhaps initiated by proinflammatory cytokines, may culminate in a toxic build up of iron in the rheumatoid joint.</br>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Brock, Dr Jeremy
• Authors: Telfer, J.F.., and Brock, J.H.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
• Journal Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
• Publisher: B M J Group
• ISSN: 0003-4967
• ISSN (Online): 1468-2060