Objective. To characterize the synovial fluid (SF) derived T cell populatio
ns in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and compare with similar populations from r
heumatoid arthritis (RA),
Methods. Paired peripheral blood (PB) and SF samples were analyzed by 3 col
or flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies to CD3, CD4, CD8, HLA-DR, CD2
5, CD45RA, and CD45RO.
Results. There was a significantly increased CD8+ T cell population in PsA
SF compared to RA: PsA mean 61% (range 35-93), RA mean 46% (range 6-72) (p
< 0.005). This resulted in a reversal of the CD4:CD8 ratio in PsA SF compar
ed to RA SF (p < 0.001). Patients with oligoarticular PsA had the most pron
ounced differences in SF derived T cell populations compared to RA (p < 0.0
005) but these results were not significantly different from PsA patients w
ith a polyarticular disease pattern. PB PsA T cell populations were not dif
ferent from controls, in contrast to RA, where the CD4+ T cell population w
as increased (p < 0.0026), giving an exaggerated PB CD4:CD8 ratio. The majo
rity of PsA SF CD8+ T cells expressed CD45RO, mean 73% (range 58-95), and H
LA-DR antigen: mean 72% (range 38-94). Low levels of CD25 were detectable i
n this population, indicating a nonclassical activation pattern: mean 2% (r
ange 0.3-4.4).
Conclusion. In PsA, activated (HLA-DR+) and mature (CD45RO+) CD8+ T cells p
redominate in SE Analysis of this population may uncover clues to pathogene
sis in this HLA class I mediated disease.