[The presence of fluorescein-conjugated antibodies in synovial tissues of rheumatic joints].

With a modified Coons technique synovial tissue, anti human IgG, IgA, IgM, anti-coeruloplasmine, anti-transferrin, and anti-fibrin were investigated by means of immunofluorescence and evaluated with reference to place, type, and intensity of fluorescence. It was shown that fibrin deposits in the synovial tissue in rheumatoid synovitis do not only consist of the actual fibrin but often of immune complexes. These were mainly found near vessels and necroses, whereas unspecific fibrin was detected mainly in fibers and limiting areas. Coeruloplasmine and transferrin seem to have a marked affinity to pathogenetically changed fibers, whereas they do not combine with normal fibers. In seropositive RA remarkable immuno fluorescence was observed in vessels. From these facts certain etiological conclusions on rheumatoid diseases can be drawn.