F. N. Ghadially

Aurosomes in rabbit articular cartilage

SummaryIntra-articular injections of sodium aurothiomalate (Myochrysine) into rabbit knee joints produced lysosomes (aurosomes) of a characteristic morphology in the chondrocytes of articular cartilage. Such lysosomes are morphologically distinct from other lysosomes and those seen in joints injected with sodium thiomalate. With the aid of electron probe x-ray analysis, gold and phosphorus have been demonstrated in the aurosomes. Numerous coated vacuoles developed in chondrocytes from joints injected with sodium aurothiomalate. It is thought that these vacuoles were involved in the transport of a gold-protein complex and that the aurosomes evolved from the coalescence of such vacuoles with primary lysosomes.

Electron probe x-ray analysis of siderosomes in haemarthrotic articular cartilage.

SummaryPast studies have indicated that in the haemarthrotic joint haemosiderin deposits occur in the synovial membrane but not in articular cartilage. We have demonstrated, (1) by electron probe x-ray analysis that iron deposits do occur in chondrocytes, (2) by electron microscopy that such deposits lie in single membrane bound lysosomal bodies called siderosomes and (3) by light microscopic histochemistry that when conditions are suitable these deposits give both the Prussian blue and Turnbull’s blue reaction for iron. These findings are consistent with the idea that haemosiderin deposits occur in chondrocytes from haemarthrotic joints.

Evolution of aurosomes in rabbit synovial membrane

SummaryIntra-articular injection of sodium aurothiomalate (Myochrysine) into rabbit knee joints produced lysosomes (aurosomes) of a characteristic morphology in synovial intimal cells and subsynovial macrophages. Such lysosomes are distinct and different from other lysosomes and those seen after injection of sodium thiomalate. A study of the morphological events that occur after injection of gold salt shows that at first the aurosome contains electrondense granules but later membranous formations (myelinoid membranes) presenting as rod-like and curled structures develop. With electron probe x-ray analysis, gold, phosphorus, and traces of calcium were detected in the aurosome.

Electron probe x-ray analysis of siderosomes in the rabbit haemarthrotic synovial membrane.

SummaryElectron probe x-ray analysis of siderosomes produced in the rabbit synovial membrane by repeated injections of autologous blood revealed two kinds of siderosomes; (1) those containing a small amount of phosphorous and, (2) those in which no phosphorous was detectable. On the basis of these findings and past studies it is concluded that haemosiderin is an inorganic compound of iron, probably a hydrated ferric oxide and that a variable amount of organic material (proteins, lipids, phospholipids etc.,) probably occurs in company with the haemosiderin in the siderosome, but these variable components which decrease in amount with the passage of time cannot be considered as an integral part of haemosiderin.

Ultrastructure of experimentally produced subcutaneous haematomas in the rabbit

SummaryHaematomas were produced in rabbits by subcutaneous injection of autologous blood. Clotting and marked lysis of erythrocytes was noted in these haematomas, but there was no evidence of fragmentation of erythrocytes prior to or after ingestion by macrophages as has been reported in other sites such as the peritoneal cavity and the joint cavity. The phagocytosis of intact erythrocytes, lysed erythrocytes and haemoglobin led to the formation of three main types of lysosomal bodies; (1) myelinosomes containing whorled osmiophilic membranes, (2) siderosomes containing haemosiderin, and (3) myelinosiderosomes containing a mixture of osmiophilic membranes and haemosiderin.

Nuclear fibrous lamina in pathological human synovial membrane.

SummaryThe synovial membrane from a patient with multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and arthritis was examined with the electron microscope. A nuclear fibrous lamina much thicker than that known to occur in normal cells of vertebrates was found in the synovial intimal cells and in subsynovial fibroblasts of this patient. Since such a thickened lamina has also been found in repair tissue in articular cartilage it is thought that thickening of the lamina may be related to the process of hyperplasia and repair.

Long-term results of deep defects in articular cartilage

SummaryCore defects produced in the medial femoral condyle of the rabbit were studied by scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy over a period of 2 years. In some cases the defect was filled by hyaline articular cartilage with a fairly smooth surface, but in others the tissue was markedly fibrillated and resembled fibrous tissue and fibrocartilage. Appearances suggesting disintegration of the newly formed cartilage were seen in some cases. It would appear that a continuation of this process can lead to the exposure of subchondral bone. In one instance no repair tissue or new cartilage could be identified but the surrounding old cartilage had formed a shelf over the defect.The cartilage surrounding the defect was either normal or showed superficial fibrillation, and/or flow formation, and/or fissures.

Ultrastructural and x-ray analytical studies on intranuclear bismuth inclusions.

SummaryParenteral administration of bismuth subnitrate produced intranuclear inclusions in the rabbit kidney tubules. In glutaraldehyde fixed material these inclusions had a homogeneous appearance but in osmicated material some of these inclusions showed a granular and fibrillar substructure. In relatively thick unstained sections prepared from unosmicated tissues, it was found that the inclusions were electron-dense, but they vanished from view when the electron beam was focussed on them. This phenomenon is thought to be due to the presence of bismuth, which is a metal with a high electrical resistance and low thermal conductivity. With the aid of electron-probe analysis the presence of bismuth was demonstrated in these inclusions and it seems possible that sulphur may also be present here.

Aurosomes produced in the synovial membrane by the oral administration of a gold compound SK & F 36914

SummaryChlorotriethylphosphine gold (SK & F 36914) administered orally to rabbits produced aurosomes in the synovial membrane. These aurosomes were similar to aurosomes produced by parenteral or intra-articular injections of soluble gold salts such as sodium aurothiomalate and aurothioglucose. This study shows, (1) that an orally administered gold compound is capable of producing gold deposits in the synovial membrane, and (2) that such compounds may have a future in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Long term effects of Myochrysine in articular cartilage

SummaryIntra-articularly administered sodium aurothiomalate (Myochrysine) produced aurosomes containing characteristic electron dense contents (indicating the presence of gold), in the chondrocytes of rabbit articular cartilage. At first the aurosomes were bounded by a membrane but later the electron dense contents were seen lying free in the cytoplasmic matrix. Such deposits were detectable up to 14 months after injection of Myochrysine but none were found at later time intervals (18 months and 2 years). There was a reduction in the population of superficial chondrocytes (Zone I) while those in deeper zones (Zones II and III) showed an increased content of intracytoplasmic filaments. It is thought that these are regressive or degenerative changes produced by gold.