DEVELOPMENT OF IN-VITRO MODEL SYSTEMS FOR DESTRUCTIVE JOINT DISEASES - NOVEL STRATEGIES FOR ESTABLISHING INFLAMMATORY PANNUS

Objective. To establish a novel 3-dimensional (3-D) in vitro model for the investigation of destructive processes in rheumatoid arthritis (R A). Methods. Two distinct culture systems were developed, consisting o f RA synovial membrane and articular cartilage explants or interactive RA synovial cell/chondrocyte cultures embedded in 3-D fibrin matrices , The expression of proteolytic enzymes, chondrocyte matrix architectu re, and matrix degradation parameters was analyzed by immunohistochemi stry. Results. Of 28 RA explant cultures, 16 displayed an invasion of synovial tissue into the cartilage explants, compared with 1 of 8 oste oarthritis explants. The expression of collagenase and vascular cell a dhesion molecule 1 could be demonstrated at the cartilage-pannus junct ion. Of 20 interactive cell cultures, 18 revealed invasive behavior an d remained vital for extended periods of time.Conclusion. The models p resented allow us to study distinct aspects of destructive joint disea ses under in vitro conditions that resemble human pathology. Moreover, our model is able to supplement animal experiments in basic research and drug testing.