Type IV collagen and laminin in the synovial intimal layer: an immunohistochemical study.

The distribution of type IV collagen and laminin in the intimal layer of rheumatoid, osteoarthritic, traumatic and normal human synovium was determined by immunohistochemistry using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. All samples showed a similar pattern of labelling with type IV collagen and laminin present around the synovial intimal cells. Type IV collagen has previously only been identified in association with basement membranes which are not found at this site. Two major basement membrane components around synovial cells suggest the formation of a modified basement membrane-like structure.