Collagenase activity in human synovial fluids from joint diseases of diverse etiology.

The content of collagenase in latent as well as in apparent active form has been determined in synovial fluids from 21 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 16 with non-rheumatoid inflammatory joint diseases, and 15 with degenerative joint disease. Collagenase activity was measured before and after activation of the latent enzyme by NaSCN treatment. Before activation, collagenase activity was present in the synovial fluids from 1 case of rheumatoid arthritis, 3 cases of degenerative joint disease, and 1 case of Behçet's syndrome. An excess of inhibitor was present in inactive synovial fluids. The incidence of collagenolytic activity markedly increased after treatment with NaSCN. When NaSCN-dependent collagenolytic activity was present, its value was of the same order of magnitude in all patients regardless of disease type. The diagnostic value of the finding of collagenase activity in synovial fluid, and the physiological meaning of the enzyme with reference to joint diseases, are discussed.