Immunolocalization of keratan sulfate, chondroitin-4-sulfate, and chondroitin-6-sulfate in periprosthetic breast capsules exhibiting synovial metaplasia.

The distribution of various proteoglycans and basement membrane components within 10 breast capsules with synovial metaplasia was assessed immunohistochemically. Immunoreactive keratan sulfate and chondroitin-4-sulfate were present in many of the synovial metaplasia lining cells, suggesting active secretion of these proteoglycans into the intraprosthetic space. In contrast, chondroitin-6-sulfate was confined to the extracellular matrix of the underlying supporting fibrous capsule. Type IV collagen and laminin were not associated with the synovial metaplasia lining, thus confirming the absence of a basement membrane, as previously indicated by morphologic analysis. As with tendon reconstruction, the development and maintenance of a synovial metaplasia lining that secretes lubricating factors such as proteoglycans may be beneficial for decreased capsular contracture.