AMINOTRIPEPTIDASE CONTENT OF SYNOVIAL FLUID IN ARTHRITIC DISEASES 1

Abstract

Using glycylglycylglycine as substrate, the aminotripeptidase content of synovial effusions was measured in 98 patients with a wide variety of arthritic diseases. Arthritides were grouped according to the severity of the inflammatory process in 3 classes: 2 extremes-degenerative joint disease (non-inflammatory) and rheumatoid arthritis (profound inflammation); and an intermediate group[long dash]rheumatic fever, gonococcal arthritis (with sterile effusions), Reiter''s syndrome and gout. The 3 groups differed significantly in mean enzyme level, with the lowest values in degenerative joint disease and the highest in rheumatoid arthritis. The levels in the intermediate group, also, differed significantly, the highest level being found in gout. The enzyme concentration in various diseases was positively correlated with the prior duration of symptoms in the joint investigated. It is concluded that the aminotripeptidase content of synovial fluid is an index of the status of synovial inflammation, of value in following the progress of disease, and probably in diagnosis. It is suggested also that the aminotripeptidase content of other types of pathological effusions may serve as a useful measure of the inflammatory reaction in the tissues enclosing these effusions.