[The effect of D-penicillamine on the immunological indices of rheumatoid arthritis patients].

In 25 patients with rheumatoid arthritis the action of D-penicilamine (Cuprenyl) on the following indices was studied: IgG, IgA, IgM, circulating immune complexes (CIC), rheumatoid factor titer (RF), T- and B-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. The action on some clinico-laboratory indices was also studied--joint index, duration of morning stiffness, erythrocytes sedimentation rate. The results reveal that the D-penicilamine treatment leads to a lowering of the immunoglobulins, circulating immune complexes and rheumatoid factor titer which is most expressed between the 3 and 6 month from the beginning of the treatment. This drug does not influence significantly the percentage of T- and B-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood.