Characterization of collagenase 3 (matrix metalloproteinase 13) messenger RNA expression in the synovial membrane and synovial fibroblasts of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective To study the localization and cell type–specific expression of collagenase 3 messenger RNA (mRNA) in the synovial membrane, its regulation in primary synovial fibroblasts, and the correlation with systemic markers of inflammation and radiographic damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods The expression of collagenase 3 mRNA was characterized by Northern blot analysis, reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction, and in situ hybridization. Immunohistochemical detection of cell type–specific antigens was used in combination with in situ hybridization of collagenase 3 mRNA to characterize the cellular origin of collagenase 3 mRNA expression. Results Collagenase 3 mRNA was dete…