Morphological substrates in Rheumatoid Arthritis pathogenesis

Abstract

In the PIP joint capsule of the finger, neurofilaments and lamellated corpuscules are observed, comparable with those present in human facet joints. Our study demonstrated these corpuscules in the PIP Proper Collateral Ligament for the first time. Supposedly acting as mechanoreceptors, they may also produce cytokines and substance P, a neuropeptide involved in pain. As the PIP joints of fingers in particular show symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis at very early stages, these organs may therefore play a role in the pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis.