[Effect of gold on lymphocyte stimulation by influenza A in chronic polyarthritis]

In vitro stimulation with influenza-A antigens of the peripheral lymphocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis is significantly higher than that in those from healthy controls. Stimulation was performed without autologous serum, is dependent on the monocyte function and correlates with disease activity. Gold compounds can inhibit monocyte function and so the lymphocyte stimulation by influenza-A antigens. Cortico-steroids do not do this. Under gold compound treatment, lymphocyte stimulation was markedly reduced in about 70% of cases and was correlated with clinical success.