Open AccessEffects of gold therapy on the synthesis and quantity of serum and synovial fluid IgM, IgG, and IgA rheumatoid factors in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Author(s) -
Hanly John G.,
Hassan Jaythoon,
Whelan Alex,
Feighery Conleth,
Bresnihan Barry
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780290404
Subject(s) - rheumatoid arthritis , rheumatoid factor , synovial fluid , medicine , gold sodium thiomalate , peripheral blood mononuclear cell , synovial membrane , immunology , antibody , immunoglobulin m , immunoglobulin g , immunoglobulin a , in vitro , chemistry , pathology , biochemistry , alternative medicine , osteoarthritis
Eleven patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were monitored prospectively while receiving up to 1 gm of gold sodium thiomalate. There was a significant decrease in serum and synovial fluid IgG, IgA, and IgM rheumatoid factor (RF) levels over the period of study. Comparison of changes in serum RF and total immunoglobulin levels indicated a selective effect on RF production. These observations were supported by changes in the spontaneous in vitro production of IgM‐RF and total IgM by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Studies of synovial membrane synthesis showed a downward trend in immunoglobulin and RF production, but this did not reach statistical significance. A differential effect on the various RF classes was also noted. The most profound effect was on IgM‐RF production; whereas, changes in IgG‐RF production were least affected. These results suggest a selective and differential effect of gold salts on RF production.