Relapsing polychondritis

Abstract

Ear cartilage from a typical case of relapsing polychondritis was examined with the electron microscope. A large number of dense granules and vesicles, which were compatible with matrix vesicles or lysosomes, surrounded the affected chondrocytes. In less severely damaged chondrocytes, these granules and vesicles appeared to be formed by pinching off of the cytoplasmic processes or by budding from the processes. Calcification of the granules was minimal. In severely damaged chondrocytes, an admixture of these granules and cytoplasmic organelles occurred. It is speculated that many of these dense granules are lysosomal in nature and that they may produce inflammation and reduce the proteoglycan content of cartilage.

Serum MMP3 Correlated With IL1β Messenger RNA Expressions of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Patients With Relapsing Polychondritis With Respiratory Involvement

“…In an electron microscopic analysis of auricular chondritis, degenerating chondrocytes released matrix vesicles (7). It was suggested that some of the matrix vesicles | 637 contained proteolytic enzymes and were functionally similar to lysosomes (7). It is conceivable that accelerated immune responses are involved in the chondrocyte degeneration in patients with RP (8).…”

“…Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) was produced by activated chondrocytes in the RP lesions, and the expressing cell numbers positively correlated with apoptotic chondrocyte numbers (6). In an electron microscopic analysis of auricular chondritis, degenerating chondrocytes released matrix vesicles (7). It was suggested that some of the matrix vesicles | 637 contained proteolytic enzymes and were functionally similar to lysosomes (7).…”