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Ultrastructural changes produced in rheumatoid synovial membrane by chrysotherapy
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|February 1, 1976
Summary
Gold accumulates in lysosomes within rheumatoid synovial membranes after chrysotherapy treatment. This finding supports the theory that gold
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease.
- Chrysotherapy, using gold compounds, has been used to treat RA.
- The mechanism of action for chrysotherapy remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular localization and elemental composition of gold in rheumatoid synovial tissue after chrysotherapy.
- To elucidate the role of lysosomes in the therapeutic effects of gold treatment in RA.
Main Methods:
- Light and electron microscopy of rheumatoid synovial membrane biopsies.
- Electron probe X-ray analysis of synovial tissue deposits.
- Comparative analysis of pre- and post-treatment samples.
Main Results:
- Electron-dense deposits with characteristic morphology were observed within lysosomes.
- These deposits were also present in other lysosomal bodies.
- X-ray analysis confirmed the presence of gold, phosphorus, osmium, and calcium in these deposits.
Conclusions:
- Gold particles are internalized and accumulate within pre-existing lysosomes in the rheumatoid synovial membrane.
- This intracellular localization supports the hypothesis that chrysotherapy's beneficial effects in RA are mediated by its action on lysosomes.