CD5 and CD23 expression on B cells in peripheral blood and synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis patients:: relationship with interleukin-4, soluble CD23 and tumour necrosis factor alpha levels

Methods. We have studied in peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) of 31 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the expression of CD5 and CD23 antigens on B cells, and the levels of soluble CD23 (sCD23), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-cr). We have also correlated the results with the disease activity index. Results. CD5 + B cells are expanded in SF and, moreover, show higher expression of CD23 than CD5 - B cells. Twelve patients had detectable levels of IL-4 in plasma and 10 in SF (nine patients in both samples); the absence of IL-4 was related to a higher expression of CD23 on CD5 + B cells and with higher levels of sCD23. A negative correlation was found in SF between TNF-alpha and sCD23 levels. Conclusion. There is no correlation between disease activity index and the different parameters studied (expression of CD5 and CD23 on B cells, sCD23, IL-4 acid TNF-a levels) either in plasma/PB or in SF.