Objective, To determine whether apoptosis occurs in rheumatoid arthrit
is (RA) synoviocytes, and if this phenomenon is dependent on the Fas/A
po-1 pathway, Methods. Apoptotic change in vivo was examined in RA syn
ovial cells by several standard methods, The ability of cells to under
go Fas-induced apoptosis was determined in vitro. Results, Typical apo
ptotic change was demonstrated in RA synovial cells by each method, An
ti-Fas antibody induced apoptotic synovial cell death in vitro. Conclu
sion, This is the first reported study to demonstrate apoptosis in RA
synovial cells. The findings indicate that rheumatoid synoviocytes und
ergo Fas-mediated apoptosis.