Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026
13:02
Microfabrication of Nanoporous Gold Patterns for Cell-material Interaction Studies
Published on: July 15, 2013
Gold pneumonitis. A case report with electronmicroscopy and electron probe analysis.
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|October 1, 1986
Summary
Gold therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can cause severe lung disease. High gold concentrations in lung tissue, particularly in macrophages, were found in a patient with respiratory failure.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- Chrysotherapy, using gold compounds, was a treatment for RA.
- Interstitial pulmonary disease (IPD) is a known complication of some RA treatments.
Observation:
- A patient with classical RA developed severe IPD and respiratory failure during chrysotherapy.
- Lung tissue analysis revealed a high concentration of gold.
- Electron microscopy confirmed gold presence within lung macrophages.
Findings:
- Gold accumulation in lung macrophages may contribute to chrysotherapy-induced lung toxicity.
- The presence of gold in macrophages suggests a cellular mechanism for lung damage.
- This case highlights a potential adverse effect of gold treatment in RA patients.
Implications:
- Clinicians should monitor RA patients on chrysotherapy for respiratory symptoms.
- Understanding gold's pulmonary toxicity is crucial for risk-benefit assessment of gold-based therapies.
- Further research into the pathogenesis of gold-induced lung disease is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:07Scanning Electron Microscopy
A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to study the surface features of a sample by using an electron beam that scans the sample surface in a two-dimensional manner. Typically, areas between ~1 centimeter to 5 micrometers in width can be imaged. SEM can be used to image bacteria, viruses, tissues as well as larger samples like insects. Conventional SEM gives a magnification ranging from 20X to 30,000X and spatial resolution of 50 to 100 nanometers.
Fundamental Principles
Accelerated...
Fundamental Principles
Accelerated...
01:20Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy
To be visualized by an electron microscope, either transmission or scanning, biological samples need to be fixed (stabilized) so the electron beam does not destroy them and dried thoroughly (desiccated/dehydrated) so the vacuum does not affect them. Fixation needs to be done as quickly as possible because the sample properties will start changing as soon as it is removed from its natural environment. For example, in a tissue sample, the oxygen levels begin decreasing, causing an altered...
01:20Immunogold Electron Microscopy
Immunoelectron microscopy utilizes immunogold labeling of endogenous proteins with specific antibodies to detect and localize these proteins in cells and tissues. The procedure provides insights into the distribution and quantification of protein under different stimulation conditions offering clues about their functions. Conjugating highly electron-dense gold particles with primary or secondary antibodies allow antigen detection on and within cells, with high resolution and specificity.