The effect of auranofin and sodium aurothiomalate on peripheral blood monocytes

The effect of oral and parenteral gold preparations on the functional capacity of human peripheral blood monocytes was studied in various in vitro systems. Both agents were capable of inhibiting monocyte chemotaxis, expression of Fc and C3 receptor sites and to a lesser extent the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium dye. No difference was observed in the effect of oral or parenteral gold on normal and rheumatoid monocytes. The inhibition of monocyte function by gold salts was associated with an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP levels. Our data suggests that the beneficial effect of gold salts in rheumatoid arthritis may result from its action on the functional activities of the monocyte-macrophage system.