The relationship between polymorphonuclear granulocytes and cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

The pannus-cartilage junction was investigated in cases of rheumatoid joint destruction. By a histochemical method for demonstrating the presence of neutrophil granulocytes, it became obvious that these cells in some cases were found in high numbers in the immediate vicinity of the cartilage in the process of being destroyed. It is concluded that these blood-carried cells may also participate in cartilage destruction in acute phases of chronic rheumatoid disease.