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[The effect of treatment on circulating immune complexes in rheumatoid arthritis (author's transl)]
Immune complexes were demonstrated by leucocyte phagocytosis assay in 37 of 55 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. After treatment with gold salts, penicillamine, alpha-mercaptopropionylglycine, immunosuppressive agents or levamisole a substantial fall or elimination of demonstrable circulating immune complexes occurred. In-vitro studies revealed that gold salts in therapeutic concentrations inhibited the phagocytosis of immune complexes, while other drugs - penicillamine, levamisole and all anti-inflammatory agents including corticosteroids - lack this effect. The reduction in circulating immune complexes under basic therapy may be due to a beneficial effect of these agents on the disease process itself. This test may, therefore, be of value in assessing the efficacy of drug treatment.
Immune complexes were demonstrated by leucocyte phagocytosis assay in 37 of 55 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. After treatment with gold salts, penicillamine, alpha-mercaptopropionylglycine, immunosuppressive agents or levamisole a substantial fall or elimination of demonstrable circulating immune complexes occurred. In-vitro studies revealed that gold salts in therapeutic concentrations inhibited the phagocytosis of immune complexes, while other drugs - penicillamine, levamisole and all anti-inflammatory agents including corticosteroids - lack this effect. The reduction in circulating immune complexes under basic therapy may be due to a beneficial effect of these agents on the disease process itself. This test may, therefore, be of value in assessing the efficacy of drug treatment.