Distribution of the secretory leucocyte proteinase inhibitor in human articular cartilage.

The secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor, SLPI, is a low molecular weight inhibitor of proteases such as elastase and cathepsin G, which are released from leucocytes during phagocytosis. The purpose of this study was to show whether or not SLPI is produced in articular chondrocytes. In articular disorders, the protease-antiprotease balance is disturbed. For this reason it would be interesting to establish the source of SLPI. The presence of SLPI was demonstrated using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, hence we conclude that SLPI is produced in the chondrocytes of human articular cartilage.