Effect of auranofin on DNA and protein synthesis in human lymphocytes

The effect of auranofin-a new oral gold compound for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis-and gold sodium thiosulphate on DNA and protein synthesis, as well as their effect on membrane transport in stimulated lymphocytes was studied. It was found that only auranofin in the given concentrations inhibits the incorporation of 3H thymidine and 14C amino acids. The studies on membrane transport present evidence that the pharmacological action of auranofin might be mediated through its action at the cellular membrane level.