[Neutrophil migration in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (author's transl)]

The leukocyte mobilization "in vivo" was assayed in 16 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 10 normal subjects using the modified Senn's technique. The rate of leukocytes mobilization (LMR) is variable: in 5 cases lower than normal. No correlation is found with latex or Waaler-Rose titer, total complement in the serum, but the lowest rates of leukocyte mobilization are in previously treated patients. After 48 hours of indomethacin treatment, the LMR decreases significantly both in the patients and in the normal subjects. These results show that the abnormal "in vivo" LMR is more related to drug therapy than disease.