Influence of anti-rheumatic drugs on human lymphocytes in vitro

Influence of anti-rheumatic drugs on human lymphocytes, especially T and B cell membranes, was studies with D-penicillamine, aurothiomalate, dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide, mitomycin C and aspirin.

Peripheral blood obtained from five healthy individuals and lymphocytes were separated by centrifugation with Lymphoprep. The separated lymphocytes were adjusted to 5 X 10(6)/ml in PBS. The suspension of lymphocytes was mixed with equal volume of each concentration of the above drugs. After suspensions, we investigated the percentages of T -and B-cells, compared to control. The results are as follows: 1. Drugs which act only on the T cell membrane: D-penicillamine, aurothiomalate. 2. Drug which acts only on B cell membrane: dexamethasone. 3. Drugs which act on both T- and B-cell membrane: mitomycin C, cyclophosphamide and aspirin.