Collagenases

Specific Involvement of Collagenase in Normal Physiology and PathologyRheumatoid Arthritis — Synovial CollagenaseIn chronic active rheumatoid arthritis two principal mechanisms for joint destruction have been postulated: one is mechanical, and the other enzymatic. In the former, it has been proposed, without direct demonstration, that fragmentation and mechanical breakdown can occur after depletion of proteoglycans from cartilage matrix and other connective-tissue components. Articular cartilage in arthritis remote from granulations is frequently depleted of proteoglycans.137 Cartilage in this state has a diminished capacity to resist deformation156 and could be more easily fragmented by stress such as weight-bearing. However, it is . . .